Statement by family farm and conservation groups on order to overhaul the Clean Water Rule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 28, 2017

Statement released on behalf of the Western Organization of Resource Councils and Northern Plains Resource Council by Mark Fix, a cattle rancher from Miles City, Mont., on President Trump’s executive order to roll back the Clean Water Rule. Fix has worked to strengthen water pollution standards after a coal company dumped salt-heavy water into streams that fed his main irrigation source, the Tongue River.

“President Trump’s executive order will weaken the Clean Water Act and allow more water pollution. We will lose our ability to grow food and fiber so polluting industries can profit. We irrigate with these waters and know that our rivers and lakes are only clean and usable if the streams that flow into them are clean. The Clean Water Rule protects drinking water and agricultural water by protecting seasonal waters and headwater streams from pollutants. By doing so, it ensures clean water for our farms, families and livestock.”

Based in Billings, Mont., the Western Organization of Resource Councils is a seven-state network of grassroots community organizations working to strengthen communities and shape policies on energy and agriculture.

Northern Plains Resource Council is a grassroots conservation and family agriculture group. We organize Montana citizens to protect our water quality, family farms and ranches, and unique quality of life.