The Clean Water Act is one of our nation's most successful and wide-ranging environmental laws. It regulates pollution at its source and involves a comprehensive Federal and State regulatory system for issuance of permits and water quality standards. Changing it would radically impact the original intent of the Clean Water Act and would be detrimental to our way of life.

The PPRC does not support (S787) the Clean Water Restoration Act for the following reasons:

• The Clean Water Restoration Act (S787) would unfairly regulate all United States citizens. Jurisdiction would include State and Federal lands as well as an individual's private property.
• Processes in place to meet current Clean Water Act standards would be eliminated due to the Clean Water Restoration Act. (S787) i.e. Municipal/industrial treatment facilities
• The Clean Water Restoration Act (S787) removes the words navigable waters" and gives the Federal Government control over all waters" and all "activities affecting these waters".
• The "Savings Clause" fails to guarantee current exemptions in the Clean Water Act or allow for any future exemptions.

The title sounds harmless, but if S787 passes and its supporters have their way, federal bureaucrats will have the authority to visit farms, ranches, and even suburban lawns to gauge how your normal activities are affecting every drop of water that falls on your land.

The Pulp and Paperworkers' Resource Council seeks a balanced solution from Congress and the Administration to ensure clean water and protect family wage jobs by:

• Ensuring the Savings Clause or amendments to The Clean Water Act address concerns which would allow our industry to remain operational.
• Water treatment systems established prior to The Clean Water Act of 1972 would be protected.
• Any waters that are not navigable should be regulated at the state level.
Recognize the primary right and responsibility remains with the states to control land and water use decisions.
• Congress should not rush to change the jurisdictional reach of the Clean Water Act.

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The PPRC is a grassroots organization representing the interests of the nation's pulp, paper, solid wood products, and other natural resource-based workers. The U.S. forest products industry is vitally important to our nation's economy, employing 1 million people. We rank among the top 10 manufacturers in 48 states with annual sales exceeding $230 billion, which accounts for 7 % of the U.S. manufacturing shipments. We are people dedicated to conserving the environment while taking into account the economic stability of the workforce and surrounding community.
08-31-09