'Dirty Water Bill' passes U.S. House 239–184

On July 13th, the United States House of Representatives passed HR 2018, the so-called Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011, by a vote of 239-184.

The bill, which FMR strongly opposes, targets the core accountability principle in the Clean Water Act: the notion that a federal backstop is needed to ensure that states don't give a free pass to polluters. This bill is designed to significantly weaken the Clean Water Act and impair the United States EPAs ability to protect and preserve water quality nationwide.

While the bills prospects in the U.S. Senate are dim, and the President has vowed to veto the bill if it reaches his desk, the vote in the House sends a strong signal that Clean Water Act protections are a prime target for environmental rollbacks in Washington.

Unfortunately, several members of Minnesotas Congressional delegation voted in support of this misguided legislation.?Votes in support of HR 2018, a.k.a. "dirty water votes", were cast by Reps. Kline (R-2), Paulsen (R-3), Bachmann (R-6), Peterson (D-7), and Cravaack (R- 8).

Votes in opposition to HR 2018, "clean-water votes", were cast by Reps. Walz (D-1) and McCollum (D-4). Not voting was Rep. Ellison (D-5).

To learn more, check out:

• The Clean Water Networks 'Dirty Water Bill Passes Through House'
• The New York Times/Greenwire's 'House Panel Fast-Tracks Bill to Divest EPA of Regulatory Power Over Water'
• The New York Times' national map of congressional delegation votes on HR 2018