For Immediate Release: February 10, 2011

Contact: Pat Sinicropi, 202/533-1823

Over 140 Groups Sign Letter Urging Congress to Include Water Quality Concerns in Upcoming Farm Bill

A coalition of water, wastewater, conservation, agricultural, environmental and state organizations, including the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), distributed a letter to Capitol Hill urging all Members of Congress to support practices and policies that strengthen the links between agriculture and water quality. The coalition includes organizations such as, the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, American Water Works Association, the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators, Water Environment Federation, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Sierra Club, Northeast Midwest Institute, Environmental Defense Fund, Environmental Working Group, Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, and the National Audubon Society, among others.

“The primary focus of the letter is to encourage meaningful reductions in nutrient run-off from farmlands into the nation’s lakes, rivers and estuaries”, stated Ken Kirk, NACWA’s Executive Director. During the 112th Congress, the Farm Bill will provide a unique opportunity to substantially improve our nation’s waters through the promotion of practices that improve the conservation performance of our farms and ranches. The coalition urges this Congress to work with us to craft a Farm Bill that better connects agricultural systems and practices to water quality improvements.

If you have any questions regarding the letter or the inclusion of water quality in the 112th Farm Bill, please contact Pat Sinicropi, NACWA’s Director of Legislative Affairs, at 202/533-1823 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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