BREAKING: Judge blocks Clean Water Act protections in 24 states

The following advertisement from Earthjustice has been sent to you via Mother Jones' email list. Mother Jones is a nonprofit, and most of our budget comes from readers like you, but revenue from advertisers helps us produce more of the hard-hitting journalism you expect. We never disclose your information to an advertiser. Mother Jones does not endorse any candidate, political organization, commercial product, or service, and the views expressed in this email do not constitute any endorsement or recommendation by Mother Jones. [EARTHJUSTICE | BECAUSE THE EARTH NEEDS A GOOD LAWYER]( Dear Friend, The future of clean water in the U.S. is at stake. A federal district court in North Dakota just blocked the EPA's science-based rule revising the definition of "Waters of the United States." The ruling could strip protections from thousands of wetlands, streams, and interstate waters in 24 states. Last month, a judge ruled the same way in a case impacting Texas and Idaho, leaving 26 states without adequate clean water protections. Earthjustice will use every legal tool available to fight back against this devastating ruling and protect the Clean Water Act. Our 200+ attorneys are often the last line of defense against environmental devastation. And since we represent our clients free of charge, we rely on environmentalists like the subscribers at Mother Jones to support our work. [Friend, will you join us in this fight with an Earth Day commitment?]( [EARTH DAY MATCH: DONATE TODAY]( This news came out just days before Earth Day — an annual event created to advocate for legal and regulatory mechanisms that protect our environment. While Earth Day has become a day of celebration, it is also a reminder that we must continue to fight for our planet. The threats to our environment and our health do not cease. [This ruling readily bows to the forces in this country that have been trying for years to gut the Clean Water Act, throwing science under the bus and disregarding water safeguards for downstream communities. - Janette Brimmer, Earthjustice Senior Attorney]( Big industry groups and Republican attorney generals in the 26 states that challenged the EPA’s rule claim they want to gut the Clean Water Act so they can regulate their own water. But without having to abide by the Act’s standards, states can get away with polluting waterways or enforcing weak water regulations. The rule that was just blocked has been essential to fend off coal mining, fracking and other reckless extraction — and without it, many communities are left without the tools they need to protect their health and the land and waters they rely on. [Map of 26 stats impacted by court rulings against the Clean Water Act]( The two court rulings will impact water protections in 26 states. (Map by Earthjustice) This Earth Day, I hope you’ll join Earthjustice in fighting back. [Make an Earth Day donation, and a generous donor will match your one-time gift $2:$1 or your monthly commitment $3:$1 for the first 12 months.]( [EARTH DAY MATCH: DONATE TODAY]( We can’t let polluters and extractive industries line their pockets while our communities suffer the consequences. Clean water is one of our most basic human rights — and together we can ensure that it's protected with the full power of the law. . In solidarity, Earthjustice Make a tax-deductible gift to help us take on the fights ahead! [DONATE NOW]( [Supporters like you power this work] Earthjustice, 50 California Street, Suite 500, San Francisco, CA 94111 [About Us]( © 2023 [Mother Jones]( Mother Jones and its nonprofit publisher, the Foundation for National Progress, do not endorse any political candidate, political organization, commercial product, process, or service, and the views expressed in this communication do not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by Mother Jones. This message was sent to {EMAIL}. To change the messages you receive from us, you can [edit your email preferences]( or [unsubscribe from all mailings.]( For advertising opportunities see our online [media kit.]( Were you forwarded this email? [Sign up for Mother Jones' newsletters today.]( [www.MotherJones.com]( PO Box 8539, Big Sandy, TX 75755