Local Leaders Applaud EPA For Continued Collaborative Partnership As Clean Water Act Turns 40

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- U.S. Conference of Mayors leadership today issued the following statements on mayoral partnerships with the Environmental Protection Agency:

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Philadelphia, PA Mayor Michael A. Nutter, USCM Vice President:

"The Clean Water Act was a defining piece of American legislation that created a greener, more sustainable nation. Reflecting on the 40th Anniversary of this legislation, we are reminded how vital it is to protect our water sources now and for future generations. 

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, under the leadership of Administrator Lisa Jackson, has worked in partnership with the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on a state-of-the-art stormwater management system that will save billions of taxpayer dollars. The EPA signed an historic agreement allowing Philadelphia to implement Green City, Clean Waters, our city's 25 year, $2 billion plan to invest in stormwater infrastructure. This plan creates affordable, green solutions that will uphold important quality standards set forth under the Clean Water Act.

"The EPA and Administrator Jackson have been stalwart partners with cities across the nation as we work to build a more competitive and more sustainable America. In the 40 years since the passage of the Clean Water Act, they continue to collaborate with cities and municipalities to create the green infrastructure that will be a foundation for our nation's growth for decades to come."

Baltimore, MD Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, USCM Water Council Chair:

"Baltimore has been working very closely with EPA headquarters and our regional administrators on a variety of issues which affect our citizens. I have been extraordinarily impressed by the cooperative and professional conduct of EPA and the great progress that we have made together.  As a mother and a Mayor, I don't want to see a roll back of all the laws, which were designed to protect us from the environmental conditions of the past.  That is why I appreciate the monumental efforts put forth by this EPA leadership to enforce these laws while at the same time offering a new integrated planning framework. Integrated planning holds the promise for cities like Baltimore by giving flexibility to customize and invest in projects that will result in the greatest environmental gains first.  Working in partnership we will find the best solutions in meeting our environmental responsibilities."

Tom Cochran, USCM CEO and Executive Director:

"EPA has been working with the U.S. Conference of Mayors Water Council for the last year to develop a new approach to water pollution issues in cities. Together we have developed a new 'Integrated Planning Process' that allows mayors to adjust priorities and schedules toward a common goal, based on maximizing benefits in the communities.  We are pleased that EPA has begun to work on this new framework and mayors are looking forward to the opportunities."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are 1,309 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.

SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors