Washington—U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer (both D-Calif.) today introduced the San Francisco Bay Restoration Act, a bill that authorizes five years of funding for the Environmental Protection Agency to carry out wetlands restoration projects and improve water quality in the San Francisco Bay and its watershed.

“This bill authorizes the resources necessary to help restore tidal wetlands and improve water quality throughout Bar Area,” said Senator Feinstein. “The San Francisco Bay is vital to the economy and ecology of Northern California and deserves our attention.”

The bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to authorize EPA to provide grant funding consistent with the San Francisco Estuary Program’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Program.

“San Francisco Bay is important to the economy and the environment of the whole region,” said Senator Boxer. “I am pleased to work with Senator Feinstein to move forward on legislation that will protect and restore the health of the Bay and continue improving water quality.”

The legislation prioritizes funding for projects that will protect and restore vital estuarine habitat for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, and wildlife and improve and restore water quality and rearing habitat for fish.

This bill was approved last year by the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, of which Senator Boxer is chairman, but was not considered by the full Senate. Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) will introduce companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

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