Trump administration today announced a final decision attempting to delay the Clean Water Rule to 2020. The rule is a commonsense safeguard that protects streams, wetlands and drinking water supplies across the country. EPA administrator Scott Pruitt has previously signaled his intention to repeal and replace the Clean Water Rule with a much weaker option designed to open the flood gates of pollution and hinder much needed protections for years to come. Today’s action gives the agency some time as it works to weaken and do away with this important safeguard. Earthjustice represents Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and Sierra Club in litigation pushing back—hard—against polluters and fighting to strengthen the protections of the Clean Water Rule.

The following is a statement from Janette Brimmer, Earthjustice attorney:

“The Trump administration is playing politics with our drinking water. By attempting to delay the Clean Water Rule, the agency is one step closer to repealing the rule altogether.

“The Rule was built on years of public engagement and scientific research. We need to protect the streams and wetlands that provide the drinking water of one in three Americans. This delay is an obvious attempt to make it easier for corporate interests to pollute our waterways.

“Earthjustice will continue to use the full strength of our nation’s bedrock environmental laws to protect communities and the environment.”