Brewers, concerned citizens highlight need for strong water protections
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018
Contact: Katie Parrish, Communications Director, (239) 537-9507
Brewers, concerned citizens highlight need for strong water protections
‘Keep it Clear, Make it Beer: An Evening for Clean Water’ emphasizes need to protect streams and wetlands
YPSILANTI, Mich. – The Michigan League of Conservation Voters and the Huron River Watershed Council were joined last night by brewers and concerned citizens at Corner Brewery in Ypsilanti for “Keep it Clear, Make it Beer: An Evening for Clean Water.” The event featured discussions around the need for strong water protections and potential impacts of the Trump Administration’s proposed rollback of portions of the Clean Water Act that protect streams and wetlands.
“From toxic chemicals like PFAS to lead pipes and toxic algal blooms, it’s clear we need a bold, comprehensive plan to protect our drinking water, but the Trump Administration’s misguided and dangerous proposal will put Michiganders’ water at even greater risk,” said Lisa Wozniak, executive director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “We need our federal government to stand up and strengthen water protections. We urge Michigan’s congressional delegation to reject efforts to rollback the Clean Water Rule.”
In February of 2017, the Trump Administration enacted an executive order to allow the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to “reinterpret” aspects of the Clean Water Act. This order would remove protections for many streams and wetlands, which often are directly connected to major drinking water sources for communities.
“With communities from Detroit to Rockford dealing with lead, copper and other toxic chemicals in their drinking water, there has never been a worse time to roll back essential protections for drinking water sources,” said Stephen Roginson, co-owner of Batch Brewing Company. “We need stronger water protections to tackle the growing threats to our Great Lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, and members of Congress should reject President Trump’s attacks on the Clean Water Act.”
Streams and wetlands provide critical ecosystem services, including water filtration that supports clean drinking water and water storage that protects communities from flooding and drought. The Trump Administration’s rollback could remove Clean Water Act protections for the nearly 60 percent of streams that don’t flow year-round in the lower 48 states.
At the event, brewers from Arbor Brewing Company and Batch Brewing Company highlighted the need for clean water for the brewing industry.
“In order to brew good beer, we need clean drinking water, and the proposed rollback of Clean Water Act protections would put our drinking water at risk,” said Mike Messink, co-owner Arbor Brewing Company. “We helped host tonight’s event to raise awareness about the impact of reckless policies at the federal level on the health of Michiganders and Michigan industries that rely on clean water.”
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