The Clean Water Act is credited with improving the quality of our lakes, rivers, streams and coastal waters. At one time raw sewage and industrial waste fouled our waters. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go to ensure safe and clean waters for all Americans. We need to remain vigilant in our efforts to control industrial and municipal discharges and we must tackle the problem of polluted runoff and continued wetlands destruction. Thirty five billion dollars is spent on fish consumption per year.
Property values are higher in areas adjacent to clean water.
Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between strong environmental protection policies and economic growth in the states. In the spring of 1995, the House of Representatives passed a bill, H.R. 961, that would have led to more polluted waters and granted numerous loopholes to polluters. In poll after poll, the public has expressed its strong disapproval of policies that would weaken water quality protection. The states have played an important role in protecting water quality and we support that role. However, since water does not respect state boundaries, diminished water quality in one state can harm the citizens of another state.