Dirty Water

Speaking of lobbyists, all three branches of government are fighting over the interpretation and enforcement of water quality laws:

The results of a Congressional investigation released today detail the collapse of the Clean Water Act enforcement program in the wake of a Supreme Court decision that clouded the question of whether rivers, streams and wetlands remain protected from pollution and development.

[snip]

The investigation shows that dozens of existing enforcement cases have become informal responses, have had civil penalties reduced, and have experienced delays.

[snip]

the committees’ investigation revealed that the Assistant Secretary for the Army for Civil Works placed the interests of corporate lobbyists over the scientific determinations of career officials in making Clean Water Act decisions

Bottom Line: Above all else, regulations need consistent interpretation and enforcement. Anything less leads to merciless lobbying, corruption and harm.