Government officials marked the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act with a national tour Sept. 16 that featured the San Francisco Bay in North Richmond, Calif.
Water quality improvements in the San Francisco Bay and the creeks flowing into it were highlighted during the celebration tour that looked back to the history of the Clean Water Act passed in 1972 and forward to more progress through the investment of $50 billion in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s water programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a news release said.
“The progress made in the San Francisco Bay, and the benefit that has had on communities throughout the region, show how investing in water resources is investing in people,” EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox said in the release. “Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, President Biden and Congress have committed to protecting our vital water resources for the 50 years and beyond.”
Fox noted the Clean Water Act was passed with "overwhelming bipartisan majority" in 1972, the release reported.
“As a result, we have seen transformational progress over the last 50 years — waters that were once polluted are now economic engines, treasured habitats and recreational attractions,” Fox said, according to the release.
Fox was joined on the celebration tour at North Richmond by California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia, Contra Costa County Supervisor John Gioia and EPA Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest Martha Guzman, the release reported.
“Thanks to great collaboration with state and regional partners — as well as local Bay Area community leaders — the San Francisco Bay now supports a vibrant estuary ecosystem and countless cultural and recreational opportunities for Californians,” Guzman said in the release.
The celebration tour will highlight several sites leading up to the 50th anniversary Oct. 18, including the Florida Everglades, Cuyahoga River and Puget Sound.
