Clean Water Act Myths and Facts

The truth about what the Baucus-Klobuchar Compromise for Clean Water will mean foryou.

When the Clean Water Restoration Act was introduced in Congress, many myths and tall tales were told about the bill and the effects it would have on farmers, landowners and Americans in general.  Now that the bill has passed the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee with the Baucus-Klobuchar Compromise for Clean Water, which further protects farmers' and ranchers' property rights.

Most of these falsehoods are being spread by groups that are more interested in profits than in clean drinking water and healthy waterways. The purpose of the bill is is to restore the Clean Water Act "to the way it was in 2001 -- no more, no less" according to Senator Max Baucus, one of the leasders of the compromise.

Myth: The Baucus-Klobuchar Compromise for Clean Water will be a burden on the American farmer.

Fact: The exemptions for agriculture will still be in place under the Baucus-Klobuchar Compromise for Clean Water, just like they were under the Clean Water Act. These will allow America's farmers and ranchers to continue providing food for our tables without being hamstrung by government regulation.

Myth: The Baucus-Klobuchar Compromise for Clean Waterwill create a new maze of regulations and required permits that will hinder development and hurt the economy.

Fact: It is actually the new regulations that are holding things up, as many do not understand the requirements. By returning to the well-understood regulations under the original Clean Water Act, permits will be easier and faster to obtain because of a better understanding of the process.

Myth: The new regulations are strong enough, so the Baucus-Klobuchar Compromise for Clean Waterisn't necessary.

Fact: The new regulations leave 60 percent of streams and more than 20 million acres of wetlands unprotected. These are areas that are home to millions of waterfowl and wildlife, and sources for clean drinking water, which now can be polluted with reckless abandon.

Myth: Sportsmen are going to be required to have permits to hunt or fish in wetlands.

Fact: There will not be new regulations about hunting or fishing in wetlands—just as there weren't under the original Clean Water Act. However, under the Clean Water Restoration Act, there will be millions of acres of protected wetlands for waterfowl and fish to live in clean water.