Farr: Clean Water Act Turns 35

Press Release

Farr: Clean Water Act Turns 35

Washington, D.C.--October 18 marks the 35th anniversary of one the country's most successful environmental laws, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act.

Congressman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) released this statement about the upcoming anniversary:

"The Clean Water Act gave us the foundation for restoring and maintaining our nation's waters. Because of this law, we saw dramatic improvements in water quality even as our population grew. In 1972, one-third of the country's waters met quality goals. Today, that number has doubled.

"Of course, that means a third of our waterways are still struggling. With Democrats in control of Congress and the country increasingly aware of our effect on the environment, we have a unique chance to recommit ourselves to the goals and objectives of the Clean Water Act.

"I'm doing my part by advocating my Oceans-21 legislation, a bill that would secure for future generations the full range of ecological, economic, educational, social, cultural, nutritional and recreational benefits of healthy marine ecosystems. We have 64 cosponsors from both sides of the political aisle, and we're nearing the end of the editing process of this bill. I expect it will go in front of my colleagues on the House Natural Resources Committee in the next few weeks.

"It's the job of every single one of us to ensure that our oceans, lakes and rives are protected and utilized responsibly, and our continued support of the Clean Water Act and its ideals is an important step in that direction."

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