To protect public health and aquatic life from the effects of oil spills, the Clean Water Act has strict rules governing the discharge of oil into our waterways.

But the oil industry, emboldened by the Bush administration’s close ties with big business, is now challenging Clean Water Act protections for streams and wetlands. They are arguing that protections should apply only to waterways that can support boats or ships. If the oil industry wins in court, more than half the nation’s waters—ranging from neighborhood creeks and fishing holes to entire drinking water supplies—could lose federal protection. And once oil companies get permission to dump into streams and wetlands, it is only a matter of time before other industries follow suit.

Earthjustice, on behalf of the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Sierra Club, has filed a motion to intervene in two cases filed by the oil industry against the EPA. Although the EPA is supposed to defend the Clean Water Act, the environmental groups are concerned the government agency will give into industry demands. Their concern is warranted considering that Bush administration officials are already in closed-door settlement discussions with the oil industry over these lawsuits, and have previously signaled their willingness to change regulations to limit Clean Water Act protections.