1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS Web98-150 ENRUpdated September 3, 1998The Clean Water Action Plan: Background and Early ImplementationClaudia CopelandSpecialist in Environmental PolicyEnvironment and Natural Resources Policy Divis
2、ionSummaryIn October 1997, Vice President Gore directed federal agencies to develop a CleanWater Initiative to improve and strengthen water pollution control efforts. The multi-agency plan was released on Feb. 19, 1998, and identifies nearly 100 key actions. Mostare existing activities, now labeled
3、as part of the Initiative. The Presidents FY1999budget requests $2.2 billion for five departments and agencies to fund implementationof the Plan. While Congress is considering appropriations bills to fund the Plan, federalagencies are beginning or accelerating activities to carry out the actions und
4、er the Plan.This report will be updated as developments warrant.Introduction and BackgroundIn October 1997, on the 25 anniversary of the Clean Water Act (CWA), VicethPresident Al Gore announced an initiative intended to build on the environmentalsuccesses of that Act and to address the Nations remai