The Republican Attack On Clean Air And Water Continues

One day you could wake up & find John Mica's wig in your drinking water

Wednesday the House voted 239-184 to roll back the Clean Water Act, by amending the Federal Water Pollution Control Act in a way that cedes enforcement to state governments which are under equipped and prone to be easily manipulated by corporate polluters. 13 Republicans (in Democratic-leaning districts) voted against John Mica's outrageous legislation and 16 right-wing Democrats crossed the aisle to vote with Cantor and the anti-environment caucus. (The bill was co-sponsored by 35 Republican pro-pollution fanatics and 4 conservative Allegheny area Democrats, Jason Altmire, Tim Holden, Nick Rahall and Mark Critz, who are owned by Big Coal). The Democrats-- no surprises on this list-- voting in favor of poisoned water were:

Jason Altmire (Blue Dog-PA)
Joe Baca (Blue Dog-CA)
John Barrow (Blue Dog-GA)
Dan Boren (Blue Dog-OK)
Leonard Boswell (Blue Dog-IA)
Dennis Cardoza (Blue Dog-CA)
Jim Costa (Blue Dog-CA)
Jerry Costello (IL)
Mark Critz (PA)
Henry Cuellar (Blue Dog-TX)
Tim Holden (Blue Dog-PA)
Mike McIntyre (Blue Dog-NC)
Collin Peterson (Blue Dog-MN)
Nick Rahall (WV)
Mike Ross (Blue Dog-AR)

This was a vote for dozens of Love Canals and for dangerous levels of arsenic and perchlorate in our drinking water-- unless you can afford Fiji Water. Jerry McNerney offered a Motion to Recommit on behalf of the Democrats-- with moderate Republican Walter Jones plus all Democrats but one voting in favor-- that sought to retain the "EPA's authority to set water pollution standards and review permits when pollutants are being discharged into waters that are a source of public drinking water." Cantor insisted the GOP kill it. Nancy Pelosi voiced a concern shared by most Americans aware of what the GOP is up to:

“Americans have been clear that their top priority is creating jobs; this week in Congress, Republicans are ignoring job creation and instead rolling back clean water protections that ensure the safety of the water Americans drink and in which they swim and fish. 
 
“Nearly 40 years ago, the bipartisan Clean Water Act revolutionized the safety of American water; it gave a measure a confidence to families that they can protect their children from toxins and pollutants. Now Republicans want to take our nation backwards. 
 
“This week, Republicans are turning back the clock on progress for the environment and our clean energy future: in addition to today’s misnamed ‘Clean Water’ legislation, they attempted to make light bulbs less energy efficient, at a cost to American consumers of nearly $12.5 billion per year, and voted repeatedly to slash investments in clean energy jobs.   
 
“Republicans should abandon their ideological assault on the environment and get to work creating jobs and strengthening our economy.”

Rachel Maddow was incredible on this last night: