Thursday,
March 8, 2007
House Passes Bill to Help Meet the Nation's Critical Water Supply Needs
Source: US House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
"This year marks the 35th anniversary of passage of the Clean Water Act. While there has been progress in improving the nation's water quality, significant water pollution problems remain and new challenges have emerged," said Rep. James L. Oberstar (MN), Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "Although this pilot program was authorized for 2002 through 2004, the Republican-controlled Congress never appropriated any funds, and allowed the authorization to expire. I am very pleased that the 110th Congress has moved so quickly, despite the White House's opposition, to approve financing assistance for municipal alternative water source projects. This bipartisan legislation is a positive step forward in providing our communities with additional clean water and innovative reclamation tools and resources."
H.R. 700 authorizes grants to develop or provide water for municipal and industrial or agricultural uses in areas that are experiencing critical water supply needs. Eligible projects include those designed to conserve, manage, reclaim, or reuse water or wastewater, or treat wastewater to meet critical water supply needs.
"In recent years, we have become increasingly aware of the need to develop alternative water sources to meet future water supply needs. Growth in population and increasing environmental awareness have provided the impetus to go beyond traditional wastewater projects, and instead to develop ways to enhance water supplies through wastewater reuse and water recycling," explained Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX), Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. "This program is vitally important to ensure the availability of sufficient drinking water sources to meet current and future needs."
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA) and Rep Ellen Tauscher (CA). It was approved by the Full Committee by voice vote on February 7.
Contact:
Mary Kerr, (202)225-6260