1. United States
2. Mont.
3. Letter

Montana's water quality faces increasing threats that demand robust federal oversight and protection. As a Montana resident, I am writing to urge the Environmental Protection Agency to strengthen and enforce water quality standards that safeguard our rivers, streams, and groundwater. Montana's constitution guarantees citizens the right to a clean and healthful environment, including clean water. This right is fundamental to our way of life, our economy, and our health. Our state's water resources support agriculture, recreation, tourism, and drinking water for communities across Montana. These resources require strong federal protections to ensure they remain viable for current and future generations. I am particularly concerned about threats from industrial pollution, mining operations, and inadequate enforcement of existing Clean Water Act provisions. Montana's waters are interconnected systems where contamination in one area can spread rapidly, affecting downstream communities and ecosystems. The EPA must maintain rigorous standards and provide adequate resources for monitoring and enforcement. The agency should prioritize protecting Montana's headwater streams and wetlands, which are critical to maintaining water quality throughout entire watersheds. These smaller water bodies filter pollutants, recharge aquifers, and sustain the larger rivers that define Montana's landscape and economy. I urge the EPA to reject any efforts to weaken Clean Water Act protections, maintain strong oversight of state water quality programs, and ensure that polluters are held accountable when they violate federal standards. Montana communities depend on the EPA to serve as a backstop when state-level protections fall short. Our water quality is not negotiable. I ask that you take immediate action to strengthen federal water protections for Montana and ensure that enforcement mechanisms have the resources needed to protect public health and our environment.