For Immediate Release
Washington, DC – May 22, 2025
Media Contact
Anayana White
anayana@asbnetwork.org
Business Leaders Call on EPA to Uphold Clean Water Protections Critical to Economic Resilience
EPA proposed rollbacks threaten reliable water supplies for businesses and communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers further rollbacks to the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS), the American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) is leading the charge to defend the Clean Water Act—an essential safeguard for both environmental and economic well-being.
Reinforcing this message, Liza LaManna, ASBN’s Manager of Agriculture Policy, delivered direct testimony during a recent federal listening session hosted by the EPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Small Business Administration (SBA). LaManna was one of the few voices speaking in favor of strong clean water protections at the session, urging the agencies to maintain the current WOTUS rule.
“For decades, the Clean Water Act has ensured reliable water supplies, reduced production costs, and safeguarded public health,” says Devi Ramkissoon, Executive Director of The Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia. “Weakening its protections is not just an environmental threat—it’s a direct hit to business stability, supply chain resilience, and long-term economic growth.”
During her testimony, LaManna highlighted the economic value of wetlands, the risks to supply chains posed by further weakening protections, and the broad support for clean water safeguards among small businesses.
The economic toll is staggering: the loss of wetlands, crucial natural infrastructure, leads to an average of $1,900 in flood damage costs per hectare annually, skyrocketing to over $8,000 in developed areas. These are direct costs borne by businesses and taxpayers. These wetlands and waterways also serve as natural defenses against extreme weather, helping absorb storm surges, recharge aquifers, and store carbon. Undermining their protections weakens climate resilience, leaving businesses and communities more vulnerable to costly disruptions.
“Clean water is not a partisan issue—it’s a business imperative,” added LaManna. “This is a pivotal moment to demonstrate that the business community values strong, science-based environmental protections. As polluters and land developers push a different narrative, it’s critical that the sustainable business community continues to speak up.”
The EPA’s 30-day public comment period closed on April 23, and all related listening sessions have concluded. During this time, ASBN’s Clean Water is Good for Business committee submitted a collective comment to the EPA with the backing of 19 businesses—underscoring the broad concern within the business community. In addition, ASBN supported 11 businesses in submitting individual comments, amplifying a powerful, unified message: Protect clean water, protect our economic future. Although the official comment window has closed, policymakers remain eager to hear from business leaders.
Read ASBN’s full comment here.
Businesses can get involved in ASBN’s Clean Water is Good for Business work here.
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American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) amplifies the collective voice of sustainable business to lead the way to a regenerative economy that is stakeholder-driven, just, and prosperous. As a multi-issue, membership organization advocating on behalf of every business sector, size, and geography, ASBN works to advance its mission to inform, connect, and mobilize sustainable business leaders, transforming the public and private sectors toward a just and regenerative economy.
