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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Clean Water Rule Nets Wide Support from Minnesota Anglers, Hunters

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Thursday, July 23, 2015   

ST. PAUL, Minn. – When it comes to protecting smaller streams and wetlands in Minnesota, among those casting wide support for the latest rule on what's covered under the Clean Water Act are those who fish and hunt.

According to a new poll commissioned by the National Wildlife Federation, 82 percent of hunters and anglers in the state favor the protections for smaller streams, tributaries and wetlands.

Gary Botzek, executive director of the Minnesota Conservation Federation, says that includes Democrats, Republicans and independents.

"We have a great love for water in Minnesota, whether it's to swim in it, or recreate in it or fish in it,” he points out. “And we don't have any oil like our neighbors in North Dakota. We have water and that's our most valuable natural resource and so we need to do as much as we can to use it yes, but not abuse it."

The final rule from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers was issued in May clarifying which waters are to be protected from development and pollution, an issue that had been muddied by past Supreme Court decisions.

Despite the strong support in Minnesota and nationwide, the rule has not been without controversy. Those opposed are working in Congress and the courts, saying it's an expansion of federal power over the states and would jeopardize the private property rights of landowners.

But Botzek says the protections are needed as these small streams provide a source of drinking water for millions of Americans, including nearly one-in-five Minnesotans.

"It's very imperative that we keep our water as clean as possible and still allow industries like agriculture, mining, forestry and municipal operations, cities to pull water,” he stresses. “We're just saying it should be done in a very environmentally, conservation-minded way."




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