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Black History Month marks its 100th anniversary—a century of honoring Black legacy, leadership, and excellence. Throughout February, Clean Water Action will proudly spotlight our Black Water Champions: leaders who are advancing the vital work of protecting our water, our health, and our communities.

The public comment period on the so-called “Polluted Water Rule” closed on January 5, 2026. Almost immediately, the Trump administration moved on to its next attack on the Clean Water Act, this time targeting Section 401, one of the most important tools states and Tribes have to protect their waters. That timing tells you everything you need to know.

I’ve been working on the question of what water should be protected by the Clean Water Act for 19 years. Polluters and their allies in Congress have been trying to remove some water bodies from the Act’s jurisdiction for just as long, so you would think I ran out of outrage a long time ago. But no.