SCR 48, as introduced, Hueso. Swimmable California Day
This measure would proclaim July 25, 2013, as Swimmable California Day to recognize Californians’ rights to clean and safe waters for swimming and other appropriate activities, and to encourage Californians to enjoy and use their waters.
Fiscal committee: no.
P1 1WHEREAS, The United States Congress passed the federal
2Clean Water Act in 1972 with the goal of providing clean, safe
3waters for swimming, fishing, and drinking; and
4WHEREAS, The California State Legislature passed the
5California Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act in 1969 to
6entrust the State Water Board and nine Regional Boards with broad
7duties and powers to preserve and enhance all beneficial uses of
8waters of the state, including, but not limited to, recreation; and
9WHEREAS, Federal and state clean water laws have facilitated
10dramatic improvements in controlling pollution from industrial
11and municipal treatment work pipes; and
12WHEREAS, Continued efforts are needed to address polluted
13storm water runoff, trash, and other threats to the health of
14California’s ocean, coastline, and waters; and
P2 1WHEREAS, California coastal areas, beaches, estuaries, rivers,
2streams, and lakes enhance the quality of life and well-being of
3Californians; and
4WHEREAS, An estimated 238 million people use and enjoy
5California’s beaches each year; and
6WHEREAS, Urban rivers and other waters provide free exercise
7and recreational opportunities for low-income communities that
8might otherwise have limited access to natural environments or
9open spaces; and
10WHEREAS, California depends on clean water for its
11recreational and eco-tourism, fishing industry, international ports,
12and other coastal or ocean dependent industries; and
13WHEREAS, California’s ocean economy generates more than
14$40 billion annually, with the tourism and recreation sectors
15accounting for 76 percent of all coastal employment; now,
16therefore, be it
17Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
18thereof concurring, That the California Legislature finds that
19implementation, enforcement, and funding of federal and state
20stormwater regulations and other water laws are critical to
21California’s economy and its way of life; and be it further
22Resolved, That the California Legislature proclaims July 25,
232013, as “Swimmable California Day” to recognize Californians’
24rights to coastal areas, beaches, estuaries, rivers, streams, and lakes
25that are clean and safe for swimming and other appropriate
26activities, and to encourage Californians to enjoy and use their
27waters; and be it further
28Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of
29this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
O
99