[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD INTRODUCTION OF CLEAN WATER ACT RESOLUTION

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 10, 2007

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I am proud to join with 
Representatives Vern Ehlers, James Oberstar, Eddie Bernice Johnson, 
John Duncan, John Dingell, Wayne Gilchrest, John Hall, and others to 
introduce a resolution honoring the 35th Anniversary of the Clean Water 
Act.
  Nothing is more critical than water, which has always been essential 
to our survival. It sustains human life, and its patterns have dictated 
the development of species and ecosystems.
  Passed in 1972, the Clean Water Act has been one of our nation's most 
successful environmental laws. Even as the population of the United 
States has increased by close to 50 percent, our waterways have shown 
dramatic improvement in water quality. In 1972, only one-third of the 
country's waters met water quality goals--today two-thirds do.
  However, with one-third of the country's waters still not meeting 
water quality goals, we cannot simply rest on our laurels. The issues 
confronting us today and over the next 35 years are even more complex. 
Our demand for water, coupled with its destructive potential, magnifies 
our past challenges. There are 6.5 billion people already on the planet 
and the population is expected to reach 9 billion or more by mid-
century, with all of the additional population concentrated in 
metropolitan areas.
  In addition, recent studies have documented a declining Federal 
investment in our Nation's water infrastructure systems, despite 
growing needs. Over 72,000 miles of pipes in this country were put in 
the ground over 80 years ago and are increasingly in need of repair. 
Our decaying water infrastructure was recently given a grade of D- by 
the American Society of Civil Engineers. I believe we need a 
sustainable, reliable, and dedicated revenue source that will help 
communities address these important needs.
  Clean water is critical to environmental and public health; but it 
can also play an important role in bringing people together. As shown 
by this resolution, clean water is not a partisan issue. Recent polling 
has shown that more than eight in ten Americans are very or somewhat 
concerned that America's water will not be clean or safe for their 
children or grandchildren. Eighty-nine percent of Americans say that 
``federal investment to guarantee clean and safe water is a critical 
component of our nation's environmental well-being.''
  This is why I am pleased, in recognizing the success of the last 35 
years, that we have the opportunity to recommit ourselves to the goals 
and objectives of the Clean Water Act, dedicate ourselves to working 
toward a sustainable, long-term solution to the Nation's decaying water 
infrastructure, and encourage the public to do the same.
  I hope the House will move quickly on this important statement in 
support of clean and safe water.

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