WASHINGTON - February 26 - More than 160 leading freshwater scientists and engineers sent a letter yesterday to President Obama urging his support for the Clean Water Restoration Act.  This legislation is urgently needed to ensure that Clean Water Act protections are provided to the nation's vast array of headwater streams and wetlands; waters that are critical for clean drinking water, public safety, and fish and wildlife habitat.  Protection of these waters is at risk due to recent Supreme Court decisions that called into question the scientific relationship between these vitally important wetlands and large rivers downstream.

Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers, made the following statement:

"Passage of the Clean Water Restoration Act will ensure that the best available science can once again guide protection of our Nation's waters."

"Congress recognized the importance of protecting small steams and wetlands 37 years ago when it passed the Clean Water Act with the intent of protecting all of the Nation's waters.  Tragically, the Clean Water Act is now broken.  Only Congress can fix this problem, and we urge President Obama to take a vital leadership role on this issue, and advise Congress to immediately pass the Clean Water Restoration Act."

"We applaud President Obama's commitment to restoring science to its rightful place and to utilizing the best available science to protect public health and the environment.  Immediate passage of the Clean Water Restoration Act is essential for upholding that commitment and for ensuring protection of our Nation's waterways."

To view the letter, click here.