Sherwood Boehlert: “As we celebrate Earth Day, it is important to reflect upon our environmental accomplishments and plan for the…”

“As we celebrate Earth Day, it is important to reflect upon our environmental accomplishments and plan for the environmental challenges ahead. For over three decades investments in clean water infrastructure, wastewater treatment facilities, have been the linchpin of water quality improvements in lakes, rivers and bays. Today, over 30 million Americans enjoy fishing in waters that have been improved through wastewater treatment investments. Unfortunately, the future of clean water has become increasingly murky. According to analysis conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency and confirmed in studies by the Water Infrastructure Network and the Government Accounting Office, America is facing a water and wastewater infrastructure funding gap that will exceed $500 billion over the next 20 years. This infrastructure funding crisis, if not addressed, will have devastating economic and environmental consequences for our Nation. Historically, Congress has developed legislation providing long-term, dedicated sources of funding for massive infrastructure investment priorities. I believe it is time to begin a constructive dialogue between State, local and Federal officials on how our Nation is going to ensure that needed investments in clean water infrastructure are going to be made in the future.”