BILL NUMBER: SCR 48	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Hueso
   (Principal coauthor: Senator Block)
   (Principal coauthor: Assembly Member Stone)

                        MAY 30, 2013

   Relative to Swimmable California Day.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   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.



   WHEREAS, The United States Congress passed the federal Clean Water
Act in 1972 with the goal of providing clean, safe waters for
swimming, fishing, and drinking; and
   WHEREAS, The California State Legislature passed the California
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act in 1969 to entrust the State
Water Board and nine Regional Boards with broad duties and powers to
preserve and enhance all beneficial uses of waters of the state,
including, but not limited to, recreation; and
   WHEREAS, Federal and state clean water laws have facilitated
dramatic improvements in controlling pollution from industrial and
municipal treatment work pipes; and
   WHEREAS, Continued efforts are needed to address polluted storm
water runoff, trash, and other threats to the health of California's
ocean, coastline, and waters; and
   WHEREAS, California coastal areas, beaches, estuaries, rivers,
streams, and lakes enhance the quality of life and well-being of
Californians; and
   WHEREAS, An estimated 238 million people use and enjoy California'
s beaches each year; and
   WHEREAS, Urban rivers and other waters provide free exercise and
recreational opportunities for low-income communities that might
otherwise have limited access to natural environments or open spaces;
and
   WHEREAS, California depends on clean water for its recreational
and eco-tourism, fishing industry, international ports, and other
coastal or ocean dependent industries; and
   WHEREAS, California's ocean economy generates more than $40
billion annually, with the tourism and recreation sectors accounting
for 76 percent of all coastal employment; now, therefore, be it
   Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly
thereof concurring, That the California Legislature finds that
implementation, enforcement, and funding of federal and state
stormwater regulations and other water laws are critical to
California's economy and its way of life; and be it further
   Resolved, That the California Legislature proclaims July 25, 2013,
as "Swimmable California Day" to recognize Californians' rights to
coastal areas, beaches, estuaries, rivers, streams, and lakes that
are clean and safe for swimming and other appropriate activities, and
to encourage Californians to enjoy and use their waters; and be it
further
   Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this
resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.