Sunday, April 22, 2012

Yes, this was the USA before The Clean Water Act of 1972.

The Clean Water Act is forty years old in the USA this Earth Day.


We need to honor the accomplishes of The Clean Water Act by being certain our state governments are living up to expectations.


We have a right to clean water for every purpose water serves in our lives, including recreation. It is vital to economies and after forty years, it is time to take notice of the 'state of our waters.'


This year water is more important than ever. Globally we are facing a Climate Crisis that could rob Earth of its benevolence. We continue to witness the ravages of drought in Texas. It has been nearly a decade since the Lone Star State has enjoyed the moist soil supporting crops and livestock.


The conservation of water is important, but, the quality of that water is just as important. 


It is easy for the USA to point at profound problems of water availability and water quality throughout the world, but, at home we are witnessing abuses of water quality through highly invasive practices of hydraulic fracturing. Additionally, we have witnessed the contamination of oil leaks, near Yellowstone National Park that have displaced families and threatened their livelihoods. We are still witnessing extreme stress on the ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico following the oil/gas rupture and explosion of the Deepwater Horizon. Yet, the American people are asked to look the other way as the petroleum industry insists on devastating the nation's central farm belts with a pipeline we do not need nor oil we will never know the benefits of for cheaper oil prices.


It is time to realize Clean Water is becoming a fading commodity and act to protect our natural resources and the recreational economies it produces.


So, on this Earth Day, I honor those that created The Clean Water Act and those that upheld its integrity. As a nation we can continue to be vigilant demanding clean and ample water for our lives and our economy or we can allow Big Oil to dominate our outcomes while whittling away at our proudest accomplishments.


Have a great Earth Day.


I am still settling into my new home and will be back in full swing by next Saturday. I appreciate your interest and value your friendship. Thank you.