Dirty Water Bill - Assignment Example

Dirty Water Bill It was back in 1995 when Republicans were in control of the House of Representatives and they attacked the Clean Water Act. On 13 July 2011, the House voted again trying to undermine that landmark water law, but the results remained the same. The idea behind pushing for the bill is that federal lines are needed to make sure that states do not give a pass to any polluter (U.S. Congress). Leaving clean water policy completely to states does not work since waters do not follow state boundaries.

Any forms of pollutants put in one state’s waters do not mean that it will not go to another state. This may lead to more damage downstream as these pollutants begin to accumulate. This policy as stated in the public outcry is literally similar to the notion of whatever happens in Vegas should stay in Vegas so this policy would fail quickly (Carter, National Wildlife Federation). H.R. 2018 bill was likely to threaten water quality in American rivers, streams, and lakes. The ability of federal and state governments would be limited in terms of ensuring that all American citizens can access clean water.

The bill would limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s capability of revising an agreed water quality standard; this would happen only if the state agrees. It would prohibit the EPA from disallowing a water quality certification that is granted by a state. It would hinder the EPA from limiting federal financial aid for the state water quality program if a state does not comply with the water quality standards. Protected waters, aquatic waters would become degraded since the H.R. Bill 2018 renders EPA as somewhat meaningless.

This includes weakening permit reviews that normally determine alternatives that do not harm the environment, do not go against laws, and do not degrade waters. H.R. Bill 2018 would lead to harm to the environment in the short run and long run.Works CitedCarter, Jan Goldman. “H.R. 2018: A Brazen Attack on Clean Water”. National Wildlife Federation, 2011. PDF File.United States. Congress. House. Committee on Rules. Providing for Consideration of the Bill (H.R. 2018) to Amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to Preserve the Authority of Each State to Make Determinations Relating to the States Water Quality Standards, and for Other Purposes: (to Accompany H. Res. 347).

Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2011. Print.