Reed Votes to Uphold Clean Water Protections

Statement

In an effort to ensure Rhode Islanders have access to clean drinking water and to protect rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands throughout the state and nationwide, U.S. Senator Jack Reed today voted against Republican attempts to weaken the landmark Clean Water Act by blocking the implementation of the Clean Water Rule. Reed and 40 of his colleagues beat back attempts to undermine the nation's clean water laws by a vote of 41-57. The cloture vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to limit debate on the motion to proceed to the bill.

"Clean water is vital for the health of our families, businesses, and communities. Water is the lifeblood of our economy and clean water is essential to our quality of life. Today's vote prevents special interests from tearing down the bedrock clean water standards that protect us from pollution. Allowing unregulated pollution to flow into our streams, rivers, and wetlands is bad for public health and business. We can't have clean water in Rhode Island if the waters upstream and upstate from us are polluted. And we can't protect the Bay if we don't safeguard the streams, wetlands, and rivers that flow into it," said Reed.

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