Montana to Washington: 'Hands off our water'

WASHINGTON – It's called the Clean Water Restoration Act.

Sounds innocuous enough. After all, who could oppose clean water?

But the bill introduced earlier this month by Sen. Russ Feingold and 23 co-sponsors, ostensibly to protect Americas wetlands, lakes and streams, was running into opposition even before hearings begin.

The Montana Senate overwhelmingly voted to oppose the legislation because it removes control of all of the state's waterways, including temporary ones like seasonal ponds and swamps, from local officials to those in Washington.

The 29-19 bipartisan vote of the Montana Senate was meant to send a clear signal to Washington – "get your hands off our water."

More Here