Why Wetlands Matter—and Why the EPA Must Protect Them (Full Comment Letter)
This pair of sandhill cranes were out for a walk in the tall weeds here at Pool Slough. They're likely finding worms and seeds to eat in this large wetland complex before flying south to the Gulf Coast for the winter. Photo by Larry Reis via Flickr. Location: New Albin, Iowa,
At One Mississippi, we believe everyone deserves access to clean, safe water—and that starts with protecting the rivers, wetlands, and streams that sustain our communities. That’s why we’re speaking out against new efforts to roll back critical protections under the Clean Water Act. In a letter submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in April 2025, we urge decision-makers to uphold strong safeguards for wetlands and streams throughout the Mississippi River watershed. Weakening these protections would put drinking water for 20 million people in our watershed at risk, increase flooding and disaster costs, and threaten vital wildlife habitat. Read on to learn what’s at stake—and why the EPA must do more, not less, to protect clean water for all.
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