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Issues
Environment Clean
Water
The health of our birds, fish and other
wildlife is closely connected to the health of the waters
they depend on for survival. To protect both our water and
our wildlife, I have introduced the Clean
Water Restoration Act. This bill is a response to a couple
of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that undermined the
Clean Water Act and put many of our country’s waters in jeopardy.
Unless we pass this bill, nearly 20 million acres of wetlands
habitat, more than 50 percent of our stream miles in the lower
48 states and the drinking water of 110 million Americans
may no longer be protected by the Clean Water Act.
Former EPA Administrator Carol Browner has testified that
the bill will “restore the original intent of Congress, and
ensure protection for all of our nation’s waters.” Unless
we act now, the Clean Water Act may not be able to protect
some waters from sewage discharges, industrial pollution and
other dangers. That includes parts of the Great Lakes basin,
putting at risk bodies of water that are at the heart of our
economy and environment.
Water Infrastructure
I am also working to address the
declining state of our country’s water infrastructure. Many
small communities are struggling to upgrade their water systems.
Without increased federal support, these communities are forced
to choose between high rates or declining water quality. I
have called
for increased funding for the Drinking Water and Clean
Water State revolving funds. These programs are critical to
helping communities ensure safe drinking water and upgrade
their water infrastructure.
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