WASHINGTON, D.C. — The bipartisan Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2021, co-sponsored by Representatives DeFazio (D-Ore.), Grace Napolitano (D-Calif.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), will invest in clean water programs nationwide and will more than quadruple the current authorization for the clean water state revolving fund — the nation's most important federal wastewater infrastructure program.

“Across the country, aging water systems send hundreds of millions of gallons of raw sewage into rivers, streams and lakes every year. This bill will go a long way toward bringing our water systems into the 21st century while improving public health in vulnerable communities, creating good-paying jobs and restoring aquatic habitats for wildlife,” said Jessie Ritter, director of water resources and coastal policy for the National Wildlife Federation. "Thank you to Representatives DeFazio, Napolitano and Fitzpatrick for reaching across the aisle and championing this common-sense bill that will ensure safe drinking water and healthy waters into the future.”

The National Wildlife Federation endorsed the bill and urged lawmakers, as negotiations continue, to include additional assistance for frontline communities in the form of grants, require states to use at least 20 percent of their clean water funds on green infrastructure, and conduct an equity analysis to identify new opportunities to ensure this funding is reaching the communities with greatest need.

“The lingering water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi following the winter storm last month highlights the need for extensive investments in our nation’s water infrastructure,” Ritter said. “All House representatives should get behind this bill which will create jobs today while creating a safer and more secure tomorrow for people and wildlife.”