[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 147 (Tuesday, October 30, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1950]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION ON CLEAN WATER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. SHERWOOD L. BOEHLERT

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 30, 2001

  Mr. BOEHLERT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce a concurrent 
resolution regarding the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act (CWA) 
and encouraging citizens and government to recommit to meeting the 
Act's ambitious goals.
  First, let me thank my colleague and friend, Senator Christopher 
``Kit'' Bond, for introducing the same measure in the Senate. The 
resolution we introduce today is very similar to the resolution enacted 
into law in 1992. That legislation designated 1992 as the ``Year of 
Clean Water'' and celebrated the Act's 20th birthday. Both measures are 
largely the result of efforts by our nation's state water quality 
managers, specifically the Association of State and Interstate Water 
Pollution Control Administrators, and America's Clean Water Foundation, 
which will coordinate the ``Year of Clean Water.'' I want to thank them 
for their support in not only advancing this legislation but, more 
importantly, carrying out the nation's water quality programs on a 
daily basis.
  This resolution signals the beginning of a year-long campaign for 
clean water through public education, civic involvement, and improved 
coordination among government, business, and community groups. The 
upcoming ``Year of Clean Water'' will culminate on October 18, 2002, 
the 30th anniversary of the CWA, and include volunteer cleanups, water 
quality monitoring events, watershed protection summits, and other 
events to celebrate the Act and strengthen the commitment to cleaner, 
safer water throughout the country.
  The CWA has made dramatic progress over the years in cleaning and 
protecting the nation's waters through regulatory controls, 
partnerships, and financial assistance to states and municipalities. 
While we should celebrate the upcoming 30th anniversary and water 
quality achievements to date, we must also improve our efforts to 
tackle persistent and emerging challenges--including nonpoint source 
runoff, acid rain, and wetlands destruction. In order to succeed in the 
long term war on water pollution, we'll need to continuously improve 
the science and foster creative performance-based partnerships. That's 
why the resolution specifically recognizes the need for further 
development and innovation of water pollution control programs and 
advancement of water pollution control research, technology, and 
education.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to co-sponsor this bipartisan and 
bicameral legislation. I look forward to working with the leadership of 
the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate 
Environment and Public Works Committee. I also look forward to working 
with the Administration, which I know is already planning efforts to 
celebrate the Year of Clean Water.

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