Russ Feingold: “for the last 33 years, the American people have relied upon the Clean Water Act to protect and restore the health of the…”

“for the last 33 years, the American people have relied upon the Clean Water Act to protect and restore the health of the Nation's waters. The primary goal of the act to make rivers, streams, wetlands, lakes, and coastal waters safe for fishing, swimming and other recreation, suitable for our drinking water supply, and available for wildlife and fish habitat--has become accepted by the public not only as a worthy endeavor but also as a fundamental expectation of government providing for its citizens. It is our responsibility to provide adequate protection to ensure that our freshwater resources are able to enhance human health, contribute to the economy, and help the environment. Despite being one of our Nation's bedrock environmental laws, the Clean Water Act faces new and unprecedented challenges. The Supreme Court recently heard two Clean Water Act cases, the outcome of which will have significant implications for Federal efforts to protect the Nation's waters from pollution and destruction. Fortunately, an unprecedented array of local, State, regional, and national officials, professional organizations, and public interest groups from across the country and the political spectrum have joined in the defense of the Clean Water Act.…”