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CLEAN WATER IMPORTANT TO THE ECONOMYFOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 2000 As Americans begin their summer getaways, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol M. Browner today released a report showing how the economy depends on clean water. At the same time, the Agency warns that to provide the powerful boost clean water gives the economy, the U.S. faces significant challenges in cleaning up the nation’s remaining polluted waterways. “Americans care deeply about their rivers, lakes and shorelines,” said Browner. “A third of all Americans visit coastal areas each year, generating new jobs and billions of dollars for our economy. However, our summertime traditions continue to be affected by closed beaches and fish advisories, resulting in lost revenues and public health hazards. “Although the United States has made tremendous progress cleaning up its water by removing billions of pounds of pollutants and doubling the number of waterways safe for fishing and swimming, a majority of Americans live within10 miles of a polluted lake, river, stream or coastal area,” said Browner. “The Clinton/Gore Administration will soon issue an important new standard to help states clean up remaining polluted waters across the country.” In a new publication on the economic impact of clean water entitled, “Liquid Assets 2000,” EPA reports:
-- Manufacturers use more than nine trillion gallons of fresh water every year;
Copies of the report, “Liquid Assets 2000: America’s Water Resources at a Turning Point,” is available at: http://www.epa.gov/ow/liquidassets, under “What’s New,” or by calling EPA’s Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds at 202-260-7040. R-83 ### Release date:06/01/2000 Receive our News Releases Automatically by Email
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