This comment form will remain open to signatures from individuals through October 7, 2026.

Dear Administrator Zeldin: 

As members of the U.S. Christian community, we come together across denominations and traditions to voice our unified opposition to the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed supplemental rulemaking revising the definition of “Waters of the United States.” 

The proposed rule disregards our calling to care for creation, denies the sanctity of both water and life, and overlooks the reality of our interconnectedness. By adopting this exceedingly narrow definition of “Waters of the United States” and only protecting streams that flow year-round and wetlands that have continuous surface connection with federally protected waterways, the EPA would be leaving at least 94% of wetlands and 79% of streams in the continental U.S. without federal protections and thus vulnerable to pollution, industrial development, and destruction. 

Wetlands and streams are critically important for filtering pollution, recharging groundwater, protecting wildlife habitat, and reducing flooding. Tens of millions of Americans rely on headwaters and streams which are left vulnerable under this rule for their daily drinking water. At a time when extreme weather and drought are putting excess pressure on already limited clean water resources, especially in western states, further limiting federal water protections is particularly irresponsible. 

The ecumenical church is in the midst of the Season of Creation, an annual month-long celebration of God’s creation when Christians renew our shared commitment to actively safeguard creation and promote environmental healing and human flourishing. The theme of the 2026 Season of Creation is ‘Living Water.’ We are reminded that water – essential for life –  is sacred. For the proposed dismantling of federal water protections to come in the middle of the Season of Creation is a tragic, if unintentional, irony not lost on our communities

As Christians collectively work to fulfil our calling to steward and renew God’s creation during this Season of Creation, we urge the EPA to likewise carry out its mandated mission to protect the environment and human health. Indeed, the role of government is to promote human dignity and protect the common good. Therefore, we ask that you listen to the voice of the people, not the short-sighted demands of industry, and abandon the proposed changes to the Clean Water Act. 

Sincerely,