Bay Area Groups Demand San Francisco Lawmakers Protect Clean Water Act
In a powerful display of environmental solidarity, 46 Bay Area organizations have come together to urge San Francisco city officials to drop a controversial lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lawsuit, set to be heard by the Supreme Court on October 16, 2024, has raised alarm among environmental advocates who fear it could severely undermine the Clean Water Act, a cornerstone of U.S. environmental protection for over 50 years.
The City and County of San Francisco's lawsuit challenges the EPA's authority to consider the condition of receiving waters when issuing permits under the Clean Water Act. If successful, this legal action could significantly limit the EPA's ability to protect water quality across the nation. Environmental groups argue that such a ruling would not only harm San Francisco's waters but also set a dangerous precedent for water protection nationwide.
The sign-on letter, addressed to Mayor London Breed, General Manager Dennis Herrera, and City Attorney David Chiu, represents a diverse coalition of environmental, community, and health organizations. Signatories include the Sierra Club San Francisco Bay Chapter, Save the Bay, 350 Bay Area, San Francisco Baykeeper, and many others, all united in their concern for the potential national repercussions of San Francisco's legal action.
Scott Webb, Director of Advocacy & Engagement at Resource Renewal Institute, emphasized the gravity of the situation:
"San Francisco's lawsuit against the EPA is a direct threat to the Clean Water Act and the health of our waters. By aligning with polluters and industry groups, San Francisco leaders risk undoing decades of environmental progress. We call on city officials to remember San Francisco's legacy as an environmental leader and withdraw this harmful lawsuit immediately."
As climate change and biodiversity loss continue to threaten our ecosystems, the signatories argue that now is the time for San Francisco to lead in environmental protection, not undermine it.
The Resource Renewal Institute urges all concerned citizens to make their voices heard and support the protection of our vital water resources.
Send your comments to San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu at cityattorney@sfcityatty.org