40th Anniversay of the Clean Water Act

It seems appropriate to write about current affairs relating to the 40th anniversary of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, better known as the Clean Water Act. The purpose of this legislation was simple. It was done to stop industry from using our nation’s waters as open sewers and end the wanton discharge of water pollution.

We aren't the only ones dependent upon water cleanliness. Like this little guy
on the lake at Falling Waters State Park.

For the better part of the time since this legislation was passed it was helpful to our nation's water ways. But, about 10 years ago, the tides began to change as industry, and the big money associated with it, began to gain ground in our legislative process. Due to lax enforcement of the laws and new loopholes, beaches and streams of all sizes felt the brunt of toxic slime. The rubble from mountaintop removal mining lined river shores. The lack of regulation also allowed for coal ash ponds to form.

At a time when elections are days away, when the offices of President and several Congressmen are up for change, we must look at where things are headed and how things can change for the better...or worse.

As the Florida Department of Environmental Protection moves to sell off lands that are under its protection, we see that there have been moves by private groups to protect our coastal areas that will continue to need oversight. Audubon Florida has aquired the last private inholding on Lanark Reef, located in Franklin County. This area is important for endangered birds, who subsequently feed in and around the seagrass beds in these lands.

As the above linked piece details, "The reef will be closed to human beings and dogs although the pristine bird sanctuary can still be viewed from boats. Because of the extremely shallow water surrounding Lanark Reef; it can be reached by boat only at high tide. FWC has posted warning signs about disturbing wildlife and damaging sea grass beds on the emerged areas of the reef."

Now we have hydraulic fracturing, also known as "fracking," and it may be headed to Florida. By injecting a mixture of water, chemicals and sand at high pressure to fracture rock and access previously untapped reserves, industry can access areas easier... but at a cost. This controversial activity is said to contaminate ground water with a combination of any number of more than 700 different chemicals. This ground water ends up in surrounding rivers and streams and eventually onto our coastlines. And among other things, fracking is believed to contaminate everything from farm animals to wine.

This brings us back to our possible future here in the United States...elections are just around the corner. Since the rise of the Tea Party in 2010, there has been little work on the side of the Republicans to curtail damage to our environment and many have fought over the powers of the Environmental Protection Agency. But if you were to look at the actions of the Obama administration, coupled with the lack of time spent discussing the environment in recent Presidential debates, it seems the environment has taken a back seat to big business and big money issues.

Looking ahead, it seems few will consider looking to the Republicans for assistance. But then again, President Obama has not been a strong leader in this area either, at least not when discussing climate topics. Where do we look in times like this? Maybe we look back, it seems former President Clinton has been talking things up in a good way. But, he's not up for election this go around. What about those who are on the current ballot? Many sites will show you a cadidate's past actions on certain issues, such as On The Issues. Many sites with "progressive" stances will help guide you towards candidates that side with preserving the environment, such as MoveOn.Org's "Progressive Ballot Guide." And of course, looking at your local paper will bring you more information about local candidates and their past work as well as future plans. Also, visit the "OnTheIssues.org" site covering debate answers relating to the environment.

For more information, also see the EarthJustice.org article: http://earthjustice.org/blog/2012-october/on-40th-anniversary-clean-water-act-faces-toxic-times.