The Water Environment Federation today congratulate the U.S. EPA on reaching its 40th anniversary and recognized the agency’s leadership and support in efforts to protect the nation’s environment and health. Since 1970, the EPA has worked with states, localities, citizens, and private and public entities such as WEF to tackle threats to air quality, waters and land.
“WEF appreciates the many opportunities we have had over the years to partner with EPA on water-quality initiatives spanning technical development to environmental education,“ said WEF president Jeanette Brown. “Commemoration of EPA’s 40th anniversary is an excellent opportunity to reflect upon past successes, strive for improvements, and expand the public’s knowledge of their role in protecting and preserving the global environment.”
The EPA was established on Dec. 2, 1970, in response to growing public demand for cleaner water, air and land. That effort was a result of the first Earth Day celebration that year where an estimated 20 million Americans gathered to show political leaders that there was broad and deep support for the environmental movement. The new agency was tasked with repairing the damage already done to the environment and establishing guidelines to help Americans in making a cleaner and safer environment, including "fishable, swimmable waters."
The Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Water Quality Improvement Act, and the Water Pollution and Control Act Amendments are just a few examples of the legislation enacted over the past 40 years. While these are great accomplishments, it is important to recognize that an ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship is vital in protecting our planet for generations to come.
“Although the environmental blights of the 1970s are now mostly past, we must all remain diligent to both preserve progress made and advance against new threats and challenges,” added Brown. “WEF continues to stand ready to work with EPA and others to preserve and enhance the water environment, both in the United States and globally, through sound science and a commitment to safe and ample water resources.”
Throughout the week EPA has been holding events to highlight the impact of its efforts and focus on some of the unfinished business of the environmental movement. For more information about EPA, visit www.epa.gov. For more information about WEF, visit www.wef.org.
