Senate Concurrent Resolution
No. 48
CHAPTER 81
Relative to Swimmable California Day.
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Filed with
Secretary of State
August 20, 2013.
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LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
SCR 48, Hueso.
Swimmable California Day.
This measure would proclaim July 25, 2013, as Swimmable California Day to recognize Californians’ rights to clean and safe waters for swimming and other appropriate activities, and to encourage Californians to enjoy and use their waters.
Digest Key
Fiscal Committee:
NO WHEREAS, The United States Congress passed the federal Clean Water Act in 1972 with the goal of providing clean and safe waters for swimming, fishing, and drinking; and
WHEREAS, The California State Legislature passed the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act in 1969 to entrust the state water board and nine regional boards with broad duties and powers to preserve and enhance all beneficial uses of waters of the state, including, but not limited to, recreation; and
WHEREAS, Federal and state clean water laws have facilitated dramatic improvements in controlling pollution from industrial and municipal treatment work pipes; and
WHEREAS, Continued efforts are needed to address polluted stormwater runoff, trash, and other threats to the health of California’s ocean, coastline, and waters; and
WHEREAS, California coastal areas, beaches, estuaries, rivers, streams, and lakes enhance the quality of life and well-being of all Californians; and
WHEREAS, An estimated 238 million people use and enjoy California’s beaches each year; and
WHEREAS, Urban rivers and other waters provide free exercise and recreational opportunities for low-income communities that might otherwise have limited access to natural environments or open spaces; and
WHEREAS, California depends on clean water for its recreational and ecotourism, fishing industry, international ports, and other coastal or ocean-dependent industries; and
WHEREAS, California’s ocean economy generates more than $40 billion annually, with the tourism and recreation sectors accounting for 76 percent of all coastal employment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the California Legislature finds that implementation, enforcement, and funding of federal and state stormwater regulations and other water laws are critical to California’s economy and its way of life; and be it further
Resolved, That the California Legislature proclaims July 25, 2013, as “Swimmable California Day” to recognize Californians’ rights to coastal areas, beaches, estuaries, rivers, streams, and lakes that are clean and safe for swimming and other appropriate activities, and to encourage Californians to enjoy and use their waters; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.