ASBC Endorses the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act as Vital for Stimulating the Economy and Protecting Businesses

Washington, D.C. – The American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) released the following statement endorsing the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act of 2021, which was introduced in Congress on Tuesday, March 16 by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The proposed legislation would help close the investment gap in U.S. water infrastructure by significantly increasing annual authorized funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program. The legislation also increases funding for several other important federal water quality programs.

“To protect our businesses and our environment, and to fuel economic activity, America needs a powerful Federal investment in water infrastructure,” said American Sustainable Business Council President David Levine. “Congress must swiftly pass the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act and also ensure there is significant funding set aside for climate-resilient green infrastructure projects and for low-income and marginalized communities.”

Experts project that maintaining current national water infrastructure investment levels would lead to a $4.5 trillion loss in business sales by 2039 due to flooding and more costly and unreliable water utility services. Making the necessary investment to achieve a state of good repair in the nation’s water infrastructure is projected to increase business sales by $5.6 trillion over the next 20 years.

Levine said, “Making the investments called for in the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act will create needed jobs in the construction, engineering, and planning of water infrastructure and create a beneficial economic ripple effect for American businesses across the whole economy.”

ASBC’s Clean Water is Good for Business initiative brings together businesses from across sectors to educate the public and policy makers about how protecting the nation’s clean water resources is vital for the economy and businesses.

Levine said, “In addition to stimulating the economy, the Water Quality Protection and Job Creation Act will help protect the many businesses that depend on clean water for their bottom line. For most industries, including breweries, outdoor recreation, and countless others, clean water is vital.