Obama vetoes resolution trying to block EPA’s clean water rules

US President Barack Obama has vetoed the congressional resolution that could have blocked the White House-supported Waters of the United States rule.

The rule, which was adopted by the Obama administration in 2014, expands the definition of waters under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its Clean Water Act.

It establishes federal authority over even small waterways including wetlands and ponds, and has drawn severe criticism, especially from the Republicans, who claim it to be an attempt for ‘power grab’ by the EPA.

Obama, however, has indicated the new rule to be ‘critical’ for protecting the waters in the country and to ensure that those are kept clean.

As a part of the veto message, Obama said: "We must protect the waters that are vital for the health of our communities and the success of our businesses, agriculture,and energy development.

"Too many of our waters have been left vulnerable.

"Pollution from upstream sources ends up in the rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal waters near which most Americans live and on which they depend for their drinking water, recreation, and economic development.

"Clarifying the scope of the Clean Water Act helps to protect these resources and safeguard public health."

Environmental groups in the country have applauded the President’s response to the resolution.

Earthjustice Policy and Legislation vice president Marty Hayden said: "Earthjustice applauds President Obama for standing up to big polluters and reaffirming his commitment to protect clean water for millions of Americans across this country.

"According to the EPA, the Clean Water Rule ensures that the drinking water sources for one in three Americans is protected. As recent crises have demonstrated, our water sources are in dire need of stronger protections."

Environment America senior attorney John Rumpler said: "As the water contamination crisis unfolds in Flint, Michigan, the timing couldn’t be better for the president to take a stand for our drinking water.

"And now that the president has defeated the last of these polluter attacks in Congress, it is time to begin tackling the next major threats to our drinking water – from factory farms to lead-lined pipes."