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Last week the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that the LA River qualifies for protection under the Clean Water Act. The EPA designated the entire 834-square mile LA River as “traditional navigable waters”, overruling a previous decision by the Army Corps of Engineers that extended this distinction only to limited stretches. The Supreme Court has ruled narrowly that only waters designated as “navigable” are subject to federal environmental protection. The necessity for waters to be considered “navigable” before they qualify for federal protection is controversial. Western rivers like the LA River naturally run dry, but they are considered vital to biodiversity and local communities. The designation has become a hurdle that serves the interests of industry lobbies that oppose environmental protections. Many consider the LA River to be little more than a dusty, concrete ditch. But environmental advocacy groups have long known that the urban watershed is important for local ecosystems and healthy communities. When making the announcement before a crowd gathered at the Compton Creek portion of the river, Lisa Jackson head of the EPA said the ruling had local and national implications. She said, “A clean, vibrant L.A. River can help revitalize struggling communities, promoting growth and jobs for residents of Los Angeles. We are going to build a federal partnership to empower communities like yours.”

Guest: Shelly Backlar, Executive Director of Friends of the L.A. River

Find out more at www.folar.org.