Governors Commit to Protect Clean Air and Clean Water

Salem, OR — Today [11/1/18], five governors joined together to commit to protecting the federal Clean Air and Water Acts in their states. After announcing in October that Oregon would adopt the standards of the Clean Air and Clean Water acts, Governor Kate Brown is now joined by Governors Jerry Brown of California, John Hickenlooper of Colorado, David Ige of Hawaii, and Jay Inslee of Washington in ensuring the federal government cannot rollback the regulations that protect the health of future generations.

The governors are calling on other states to join them in committing to protect the Clean Air and Clean Water acts. Now more than ever, states are well positioned to take a leadership role in preventing the erosion of core environmental standards protecting water and air. States have a clear interest in protecting clean air and clean water, and their legislatures and administrative agencies have implemented elements of clean air and water legislation since the 1970s.

The letter signed by all five governors reads in part:

"For over a generation, Americans have enjoyed the protection of these signature environmental laws. Through science and research, we have learned more about how the health of the environment affects the health of people, particularly children and the elderly. Since the 1970s, clean air and clean water standards have advanced to reflect the science and protect people. For the first time in history, these standards are being rolled back at the federal level, and we now face threats to the basic underpinnings of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act themselves." 

Regulatory uniformity and certainty has long been a goal of those subject to the regulations of the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts. Many businesses have already made the investments required to meet current clean air and water standards. If several states adopt these standards locally, any perceived benefit of federal regulatory backsliding will be eliminated.

QUOTES FROM GOVERNORS

Governor Kate Brown, Oregon
"As states, we can take a leadership role in preventing the erosion of core laws that protect our environment. Together, states must stand up to the Trump administration’s continuous attacks on our health and environment. We deserve better. Our kids and their kids deserve better."

Governor John Hickenlooper, Colorado
"Colorado remains committed to protecting and improving our clean air and water for future generations. We know it will take collaboration just like this to make this happen. Changes at the federal level will not distract from our goals."  

Governor David Ige, Hawaii
“The Trump administration’s continuous assault on our environment is not acceptable to the people of Hawai‘i. No matter what happens at the federal level, Hawai‘i will continue to protect our rights to clean air and clean water.”

Governor Jay Inslee, Washington
"This Administration's relentless attacks on environmental protections will not deter us. We will continue to defend Washington's right to protect our air, water, and communities from harmful pollutants." 

Press release provided from the Office of Kate Brown, Governor of Oregon.