'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:

Upcoming Events

Apply by June 1, 2025
F-O-K Creatives gallery near Harriet Island in St. Paul
Tuesday, June 3, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Southwest Park Ponding Basin, Hastings
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 - 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Camel's Hump Park and Open Space, Cottage Grove

Our River Campaign:
It all starts here

At the heart of this new campaign is the vision of a healthy Mississippi River.