PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, June 29, 2023
CONTACT:
Bill Street, President and CEO
James River Association
(e) bstreet@thejamesriver.org (c) 804.516.1400
James River Association Statement on Memorandum from Virginia Department of Environmental Quality on Protection of State Waters
“Headwater wetlands and small streams are critical to the overall James River ecosystem by filtering pollution, providing wildlife habitat and supplying clean drinking water. Thankfully, Virginia has long recognized and protected these important waters,” said Bill Street, President and CEO of the James River Association. “With the recent US Supreme Court decision limiting the protections of the federal Clean Water Act, it is crucial that Virginia continue to maintain its protection of all state waters. The James River Association commends the Department of Environmental Quality for issuing a timely memorandum to clarify existing state law and to ensure that Virginia’s permitting process can continue to protect wetlands and the many benefits that they provide to citizens of Virginia.”
ABOUT THE JAMES RIVER ASSOCIATION: The James River Association is a member-supported nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to serve as a guardian and voice for the James River. Throughout the James River’s 10,000-square mile watershed, the James River Association works toward its vision of a fully healthy James River supporting thriving communities. The James River Association believes that “when you change the James, the James changes you”. With offices in Lynchburg, Richmond, Williamsburg, and Scottsville, the James River Association is committed to protecting the James River and connecting people to it. For more information visit www.thejamesriver.org.