Iowans have long relied on clean water for drinking, for recreation, and for habitat for fish and other wildlife. We have sometimes taken clean and safe water for granted. Sadly, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified 159 bodies of water in Iowa as polluted, and has threatened to take action if Iowa does not. It is very important to the Democrats on the Environmental Protection Committee that we Iowans take responsibility for keeping our own waterways safe and clean. These waters belong to all of us, and it is in our collective self-interest to take care of our problems locally.
Clean water is essential.
Without clean water, Iowa will not grow. Without clean water, we will be unable to attract the business and industry to Iowa that will provide employment opportunities with living wages. Without clean water, it make little sense to work to improve our education system or our health delivery system. Expanding the soil conservation cost-share program to reduce soil erosion and water contamination. Increasing the watershed protection program.