Norcross, EPA, Carstarphen Celebrate 50^th Anniversary of Clean Water Act and Highlight Water Investments in South Jersey

CAMDEN, NJ – Today, Congressman Norcross joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen, and other local leaders in celebrating 50 years of the Clean Water Act and highlighting water infrastructure improvements in South Jersey. Congressman Norcross delivered remarks on the importance of the Clean Water Act for South Jersey families and the continued progress delivered by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which he helped pass in November 2021.

“The Clean Water Act has helped protect the water we drink for 50 years,” said Congressman Norcross. “Before this landmark legislation, hazardous waste in the Delaware River, Cooper River, and Mantua Creek put millions of South Jersey families at risk, including mine. I’m proud that we have made historic investments in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that protect our children for years to come.”

“When Congress passed the Clean Water Act in 1972—with an overwhelming bipartisan majority—it charted a new path for America’s waters. As a result, we have seen transformational progress over the last 50 years—waters that were once polluted are now fishable and swimmable,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Water Radhika Fox. “President Biden and Congress have laid the foundation for the next 50 years of progress by investing $50 billion in EPA’s water programs through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“Iconic waterbodies like the Delaware and Cooper Rivers are the lifeblood of communities like Camden,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “EPA is proud to provide support to the City of Camden and the Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority as they have worked for many years to improve access to clean water and reduce pollution in communities across the city.”

Congressman Norcross has long championed the protection and improvement of water infrastructure in South Jersey communities. Norcross was instrumental in passing the landmark Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which secured $1 billion over five years to ensure clean water in New Jersey. The bill also provides $16 million in grants to fight emerging contaminants in New Jersey, such as the perfluorinated “forever chemicals” found in the Borough of Brooklawn. Additionally, Norcross welcomed a $3.5 million Brownfields Grant in Camden to clean up old commercial and industrial sites and protect neighborhoods.

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