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White House releases framework for protecting nation’s water
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The Obama administration released Friday a framework for protecting the nation's water supplies, asserting a degree of command in tackling growing environmental concerns, particularly those of water quality and the regulatory power of the Clean Water Act.
More specifically, the framework emphasizes the role of partnerships with states, communities, stakeholders and the general public in protecting public health, water safety and the nation's energy and economic security.
The release delineates plans – both in effect and proposed – aimed at protecting waters for the purposes of safe drinking, fishing, farming and recreation. It also provides federal guidance regarding what bodies of water are protected under the Clean Water Act, which is now nearly 40 years old, as well as efforts to restore rivers and watersheds.
"Clean water and healthy waterways are vital to the health and vibrancy of our communities and the strength of our economy," said Nancy Sutley, chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, in a statement.
"Working with our partners across communities, governments and sectors, we are taking comprehensive action to ensure Americans have the clean and healthy waters they need and deserve," she added.
The framework comes the same week as the Obama administration released a report that found water resources in the western U.S. may dwindle substantially in coming years as a result of climate change.
The Interior Department study projected a decline of up to 20 percent in average annual stream flow in river basins, according to Bloomberg.
"The steps we're outlining today will be instrumental to protecting the waters of the United States," said Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, "and ensuring that the vital natural resources our communities depend on for their health and their economy are safeguarded for generations to come."
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