Speier Bill Would Pay for Bay Restoration

U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier has reintroduced a bill to restore and improve the environmental health of the San Francisco Bay.

The San Francisco Bay Restoration Act would authorize up to $20 million annually over five years to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for efforts to curb the effects of pollution, restore wetland habitat, protect fish and wildlife and help local communities keep the Bay clean, the Hillsborough democrat said.

"All of us who live by the Bay are uniquely blessed with one of the most beautiful places to live and work in the country," she said. 

The onus is on Bay Area residents "to protect our home ecosystem from pollution, habitat loss and the growing threat of climate change."

While a master conservation plan exists for the Bay, that plan has been starved for funding for more than 20 years, Speier said.

The legislation enjoys the support of Bay Area legislators, including House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, U.S. reps. George Miller, Pete Stark, Lynn Woolsey, Anna Eshoo, Barbara Lee, Zoe Lofgren, Mike Thompson, Mike Honda, Jerry McNerney and John Garamendi. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer have introduced a similar bill in the Senate.

-- Bay City News Service