Water Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2009
Water Protection and Reinvestment Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish in the Treasury the Water Protection and Reinvestment Trust Fund (Trust Fund) to support investments in clean water and drinking water infrastructure. Imposes through 2015: (1) an excise tax on the sale of containers of water-based beverages, water disposal products, and pharmaceutical products; and (2) a clean water tax on corporations. Appropriates revenues raised from such taxes to the Trust Fund.
Directs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allocate amounts from the Trust Fund for specified clean and safe drinking water programs.
Amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act to: (1) expand the types of projects eligible for funding by state revolving loan funds; and (2) set forth additional criteria for states in developing priorities for assistance under such Acts; and (3) provide for technical assistance to community water systems and small water treatment works.
Authorizes the Administrator to make grants to: (1) increase the security of community water systems and water treatment works; (2) hire certified wastewater treatment operators; and (3) control sewer overflow.
Requires the Administrator to make grants to: (1) support efforts by water systems to increase energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate the impacts of climate change; (2) establish a national water infrastructure research, development, and demonstration program and regional university water research centers; and (3) take back and dispose of prescription and over-the-counter drugs in an environmentally sound manner.
Clean Water Network Position Statement
on establishing a National Clean Water Trust Fund
July 15, 2009
The Clean Water Network (CWN) strongly supports establishing a dedicated clean water trust fund that will ensure that our nation's drinking water is safe and that our waterways are protected from pollution. There is an overwhelming need for investment and modernization of our nation's drinking water and clean water infrastructure and it is imperative that we provide funding to assist states, municipalities and others, in this crucial area. CWN also supports providing adequate funding for research, development and demonstration efforts, to ensure that 21st century water infrastructure systems promote environmental stewardship and produce multiple benefits for our communities.
It is critical that a national clean water trust fund gives first priority to funding environmentally-sound infrastructure systems and approaches. Green infrastructure projects help create green jobs, improve water quality and protect public health. Investing in initiatives, such as water-use efficiency measures, re-use, and other green infrastructure efforts that protect, restore or mimic the natural water cycle, will protect the health and safety of our nation's waters and the sustainability of our communities.
Clean Water Network applauds Congressman Earl Blumenauer's efforts to address this challenging issue by introducing landmark federal legislation, The Water Protection and Reinvestment Act. CWN looks forward to working with Mr. Blumenauer and all Members of Congress on establishing a National Clean Water Trust Fund guided by strong environmentally-sound principles.
Tell all Members of Congress they should support establishing a National Clean Water Trust Fund that is guided by strong environmentally-sound principles.