Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson released a statement in response to President Trump's press conference today where he announced an executive order curtailing states' legal authority under Section 401 of the Clean Water Act.
“The president’s action today is an unprecedented assault on the right and obligation of every state to protect their waters and their communities.
“No amount of politicking will change the facts — states have full authority under the Clean Water Act to protect our waters and ensure the health and safety of our people. Washington will not allow this or any presidential administration to block us from exercising our authority lawfully and effectively.
“We stand with governors and attorneys general across the country in opposing this dangerous attack on our environment and our families’ right to clean water. We intend to challenge any attempt by the administration to illegally constrain Washington’s authority to protect our state’s natural resources.”