Clean Water

Clean Water. I’m Greg Martin with today’s Line On Agriculture.

The Obama Administration held a press conference yesterday morning to discuss clean water. Recognizing the importance of clean water and healthy watersheds to our economy, environment and communities, the Administration released a national clean water framework that showcases its comprehensive commitment to protecting the health of America's waters. Nancy Sutley, Chair, White House Council on Environmental Quality.

SUTLEY: Clean water has been a priority for this administration from day one through an extensive set of policies and initiatives we are working across agencies, across levels of government and across sectors to use the tools in our toolbox to make sure that American’s have the clean and healthy waters they need and deserve.

Sutley says they are taking actions to reduce contaminants in drinking water by using the latest science to update drinking water standards and by protecting drinking water sources from pollution.

SUTLEY: We’re giving farmers incentives to reduce pollution and giving land owners incentives to open up their lands for fishing, swimming and other activities that promote public stewardship of our waters. We’re working with states to make sure that rural communities have affordable and modern clean water systems. We’re updating the nation’s water policies to ensure they meet modern challenges, reflect the latest challenges and respond to America’s goals for healthy and safe water resources in our communities.

She says they are partnering with states, communities and stakeholders to restore deteriorating natural systems around the country.

SUTLEY: Clean water serves everyone from families who want safe places to swim to fishermen and women who want to know their catch is safe to eat, to farmers who rely on it to grow their crops and everybody in between and we’re committed to leading on clean water and to supporting our partners across the country who are working to ensure the health and economic vitality of American communities.

For nearly 40 years, the Clean Water Act, along with other important Federal measures, has been a cornerstone of our effort to ensure that Americans have clean and healthy waters. The Administration's framework outlines a series of actions underway and planned across Federal agencies to ensure the integrity of the waters. It includes draft Federal guidance to clarify which waters are protected by the Clean Water Act nationwide; innovative partnerships and programs to improve water quality and water efficiency; and initiatives to revitalize communities and economies by restoring rivers and critical watersheds.

That’s today’s Line On Agriculture. I’m Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network.