Mark Kelly: “I rise today, Earth Day, to discuss the critical importance of investing in America's clean water infrastructure. As we…”

“I rise today, Earth Day, to discuss the critical importance of investing in America's clean water infrastructure. As we begin the 21st century, investment in water infrastructure stands as one of the most important economic and environmental investments our government will make. Since 1972, our Nation has made important progress in improving the water quality of lakes, rivers and harbors across the land. However, we are at an important crossroad in the effort to make our Nation's waters fishable and swimmable. Recent studies by EPA, GAO and the Water Infrastructure Network all point to a water infrastructure funding crisis. According to EPA's Clean Water and Drinking Water Gap Analysis, America is facing a $535 billion funding shortfall for water infrastructure over the next two decades. This analysis comes at a time when the Federal Government is committing less than $2 billion dollars a year to water and wastewater infrastructure. The most significant improvements in water quality have resulted from our investments in wastewater treatment--if we fail to replace and upgrade existing wastewater treatment facilities we could see the progress of the past 30 years reversed. As we enter the summer months, over 30 million fisherman will head to their favorite fishing holes, millions more Americans will head to beaches and lakes for a refreshing swim. These simple summer pleasures share one common element--clean water.”