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National Association of Farm Broadcasters
04/23/1996| Carol M. Browner Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Association of Farm Broadcasters Washington, D.C. Prepared for Delivery April 23, 1996 I want to thank John Winfield for that introduction. It is a pleasure to join you today, as we celebrate the 26th anniversary of Earth Day. Twenty-six years ago, this nation joined together to protect our health, our air, our water, and the land we live on. And together we have made tremendous progress. America's farmers understand perhaps better than anyone else that protecting our environment is about protecting where we live and how we live. For three years, the Clinton Administration has worked with America's farmers to ensure that our nation continues to enjoy the safest and most abundant food supply in the world, and to protect the livelihoods of American farmers and the health of all American families. We have worked together to protect the quality of our water -- helping farmers to use common-sense pollution control measures that will protect our rivers and streams and save money -- using less fertilizer, fewer pesticides, and preventing erosion. Over three years, $100 million in grants has gone to help farmers under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. More than 7 million rural households do not have access to drinking water that meets public health standards. President Clinton's budget includes funding to help communities improve the quality of their drinking water. And we have asked Congress to strengthen the Safe Drinking Water Act, to help communities protect the sources of their drinking water. It makes sense to keep contamination out of the water in the first place, rather than pay to take it out after the fact. We are working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop safer methods of pest control. We have accelerated registration of new, safer products. There is no doubt in my mind that this nation can reduce pesticide use and pesticide risk without any decrease in the quality or the quantity of America's food. This Administration favors comprehensive reform of our pesticide food safety laws, to establish a consistent, health-based standard for all pesticide residues in food. Today, public health and environmental protection is under the most severe assault since the first Earth Day 26 years ago. Congressional leaders have sought to roll back environmental laws and to cut the budget for environmental protection. President Clinton has stood firm to stop the assault on public health, our air, our water, and our land -- and the President will continue to stand firm. Today, more than ever, we must join together to continue the progress of the past generation. This Administration is committed to working with America's farmers -- the stewards of the land -- to protect our health, our environment, and our children's future. |
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