The industry panel also cited the decline in hydropower energy output. In fact, in the face of increased competition and deregulation, many hydro projects cannot financially survive the licensing process. Opponents of regulatory reform say the losses are a small price to pay for the environmental benefits. Although the states believe their authority under the CWA is a states' rights issue, nothing could be further off target. Like the air we breathe, the rivers and streams of this nation belong to all its citizens.
Air knows no state boundaries, and the same is true of our rivers and streams.
Most are interstate waters, and all eventually wind their way to the oceans. The hearings were a good beginning down the path toward regulatory reform.