The Honorable Scott Pruitt Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20460 August 28, 2017 Re: Definition of Waters of the United States - Recodification of Pre-Existing Rules Dear Administrator Pruitt, On behalf of the nation s leading aquariums and zoos and our millions of members and visitors, we are writing to express our strong support for the 2015 Clean Water Rule, and urge you to implement the 2015 definition of waters of the United States rather than rescind it. As aquariums and zoos, we know firsthand the connection between a healthy environment, healthy citizens, and a strong economy. The 2015 Clean Water Rule allows for reasonable, science-based management and protection of the nation s wetlands and smaller streams, which are invaluable resources for all Americans. Without this rule, we risk jeopardizing primary sources of clean drinking water for U.S. citizens. Healthy streams and wetlands are also crucial for fish and wildlife populations, and for the nation s recreation industry. Wetlands and smaller streams provide a wealth of services to our communities. Wetlands help keep water
clean by filtering runoff from urban and agricultural areas. These areas also buffer communities from the impact of severe storms, and help reduce flooding and the associated costs to life and property caused by natural disasters. They also serve as nurseries for economically valuable fisheries and wildlife. The intermittent and ephemeral streams included in the 2015 rule make up almost 60% of all stream miles in the United States. In addition to serving as important habitat for recreational species like trout, these streams act as conduits for pollution to larger water bodies. If unregulated, they could collectively have a devastating impact on the nation s clean water supplies. The 2015 Clean Water Rule was developed with rigorous scientific input and review to help ensure that wetlands and smaller streams are made safe for fishing, drinking, and swimming the central tenets of the U.S. Clean Water Act. As science-based institutions, we support this approach to protecting the nation s invaluable clean water resources. For these reasons, we urge you not to repeal the 2015 rule. Our aquariums and zoos support the U.S. EPA in implementing this rule to protect the health of the nation s waterways and the human and wildlife communities that depend on them. Sincerely, Julie Packard Monterey Bay Aquarium Bridget C. Coughlin, PhD John G. Shedd Aquarium Dan Ashe Association of Zoos and Aquariums John Racanelli National Aquarium Robert Davidson Seattle Aquarium Lynn Clements Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center Gary Geddes Director Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium
Michael Schaadt Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Kevin Mills South Carolina Aquarium Tom Schmid Texas State Aquarium Keith Sanford Tennessee Aquarium Stephen Coan Mystic Aquarium Jon Foley William R. and Gretchen B. Kimball Chair California Academy of Sciences Eric Rose Vice President and Newport Aquarium Ronda Schwetz Executive Zoo Director Henry Vilas Zoo Dennis Pate and Omaha s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium Craig Ivanyi Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
Scott Shoemaker Zoo Director Sunset Zoo Greg Bockheim John Linehan Zoo New England (Franklin Park Zoo & Stone Zoo) Virginia Zoological Park Philip Flynn III Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Garden Alison K. Prange Friends of Henry Vilas Ben Roberts Director of Animal Care and Conservation The Zoo at Chehaw Dwight Lawson, PhD / Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden Robert Jenkins Rolling Hills Zoo Kurt Strand National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium Stuart Strahl President Chicago Zoological Society Kevin Bell Lincoln Park Zoo Susan Wahlgren Zoo Director Cosley Zoo
Diane Thompson Binder Park Zoo Richard Beilfuss International Crane Foundation Dwight Lawson / Oklahoma City Zoological Park Doug Piekarz Akron Zoo Donald Hutchinson Presiden/ The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore Jeremy Goodman, DVM Roger Williams Park Zoo Andrew Aiken Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society Richard Block Santa Barbara Zoo