Frank Lautenberg: “I introduce the Clean Water Enforcement and Compliance Improvement Act of 1997. This important bill will put real teeth…”

“I introduce the Clean Water Enforcement and Compliance Improvement Act of 1997. This important bill will put real teeth in the enforcement provisions of the Clean Water Act, and will help restore and preserve our Nation's already stressed lakes, rivers and coastal areas. I would like to commend my colleague from New Jersey, Congressman Pallone, for introducing similar legislation in the House of Representatives. Senator Torricelli has joined as a co-sponsor of our bill. Mr. President, when Congress first enacted the Clean Water Act in 1972, we established lofty goals-to make our Nation's waters fishable and swimmable. And we mandated strict enforcement and provided for penalties to assure compliance with the act's provisions. We were responding to strong public concern about pollution of our waterways. That concern is every bit as strong today because people understand that clean water is essential to human life. The American people want us to rid our waters of bacteria, toxins, and garbage. Yet, as we approach the 25th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, and after several substantial revisions since its enactment, the act has failed to meet all of our goals.”