WHEREAS The 1969 Clean Water Act has resulted in the substantial improvement of water quality and overall, the health of many of our nation’s rivers; and
WHEREAS The Clean Water Act is now decades overdue for reauthorization by Congress; and
WHEREAS Congressional inaction on this important issue has only increased growing conflicts over scope and enforcement of the Act; and
WHEREAS Recent and historical judicial and regulatory interpretations of the Act have whipsawed to extremes resulting in increased uncertainty regarding the scope and applicability of the Act;
WHEREAS alternately broadening and narrowing federal authority including and classifying canals and ditches as regulated waterways,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Club20 supports Congressional re‑authorization of the Clean Water Act with clear and explicit clarifications that more closely comport with the original Congressional intent of protecting navigable waterways, that protecting responsible agricultural use of waters of the U.S., and strengthening the economic impact assessments of alternative protection schemes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Club 20, recognizing each state’s authority to promulgate rules more stringent than federal standards and calling on Colorado’s water quality officials to adhere closely to federal regulations and Congressional intent to ensure clarity and simplicity and to reduce cost, uncertainty and litigation.
Adopted 3/3/1995
Renew 9/11/2009
Amended 9/5/2014Amended 4/12/2024
Amended 9/20/24
Adopted 3/3/1995
Renew 9/11/2009
Amended 9/5/2014
Amended 4/12/2024
Amended 9/20/24