[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18875]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  STATEMENT TO COMMEMORATE THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES 
                    ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2010

  Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate four decades of 
the creation of a federal agency with the noble mission to protect 
human health and the environment. The founding of the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 2, 1970, represented 
the start of remarkable environmental achievements for our nation. 
Their mission and valuable accomplishments have been well captured in 
EPA's 40th anniversary theme: ``Healthier Families, Cleaner 
Communities, A Stronger America.''
  In this anniversary celebration, we should honor EPA's dedicated 
employees who during 40 years have worked hard to keep our land, air, 
and water clean and protected. Thanks to their efforts, expertise, and 
enthusiasm, this and future generations will be able to enjoy better 
environmental conditions in the places they work, live, and pray.
  I take pride in representing a unique and diverse ecosystem in 
California's 43rd District. I particularly thank EPA for developing 
regulations that will assist the studies of water resources and 
groundwater conditions needed in potentially contaminated sites in my 
District. Sound environmental protection policies not only promote 
American security through better use of our natural resources, but they 
also ensure the vast beauty of our nation is safeguarded for future 
generations to enjoy.
  Throughout its existence, EPA has developed different programs that 
effectively respond to public concerns about their water, air, and 
land. These programs ensure public safety and support to local 
communities struggling in a difficult economic environment. Efforts 
that ensure that polluters pay, such as the Superfund Program--that 
addresses the cleanup of toxic waste sites--provide important tools 
that help identify the parties responsible for contamination. The 
Superfund Program has successfully required identified responsible 
parties to pay for the cleanup of their contaminated sites which has 
saved taxpayers billions of dollars.
  As a Member of Congress, I am committed to continue fighting for 
legislation that allows EPA to protect our treasured resources--
including ensuring clean air, safe drinking water for everyone and 
promoting cleaner, more efficient uses of America's natural resources.
  Let us commemorate this milestone anniversary of the EPA by 
recognizing its people, its programs, and the progress they have made 
since the day the agency was founded 40 years ago. This celebration of 
EPA's legacy and accomplishments should also serve as a reminder of the 
work we still have ahead of us to protect the health and the 
environment of everyone in our communities and our nation.

                          ____________________