Pombo calls for more investment in water quality introduces the 'Quality Water Supply Enhancement Act'

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 20, 2004 -- Congressman Richard Pombo (R-Tracy) introduced the 'Quality Water Supply Enhancement Act'. Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM) has introduced a similar bill, 'The National Water Supply Technology Program'.

This bill creates a national effort to coordinate research and development in water treatment technology. It provides financial assistance to develop demonstration projects to further enhance and improve our water supply, its reliability and quality. Furthermore, both the Senate and the House bills address the issue that water is needed for energy production and usable water can be derived for energy production.

"Water quality and technology is crucial, and we need to plan now in order to provide for future generations," said Rep. Pombo (R-Tracy). "We must look toward the future to improve water quality and our environment."

As outlined in the bill, the premiere Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), in California, is one of eight nationally that will partner with regional universities - each formulating a research and development theme. Partnerships with other federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations will be fostered by competitive matching grant programs. To bring about new advances and solutions, LLNL has the ability to research innovative technology advancements ensuring Californian's have an abundant water supply for the future generations.

"The Lab has a long, solid record of work that greatly affects California water, and water throughout the nation. Their great minds and computers have been working on improving water quality and technology. This bill is important for California, the region and the Nation," said Rep. Pombo.

"There are multiple demands on our water supply in California - from drinking water to growing the safest most abundant food supply in the world. These are important to our way of life in California, and all compete for our water supply. We must take this time to invest in our future to ensure we can meet these demands."

The 'Quality Water Supply Enhancement Act' and 'The National Water Supply Technology Program' were introduced at a press conference held today with Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Tracy), Senator Pete Domenici (R-NM), Senator Dianne Feinstein (R-CA), Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Riverside), and Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-NM).

Richard Pombo represents California's Eleventh Congressional District. Rep. Pombo is Chairman of the House Resources Committee and serves on the House Agriculture Committee.