BEACH Act bills introduced in both chambers
WASHINGTON – Americans could soon have a better idea of if and when it’s safe to swim in their local waterways. Bipartisan bills to update the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act have been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. The legislation would renew and improve the program that helps coastal and Great Lakes test their beaches for pathogen pollution that can make people sick.
Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) are sponsoring the BEACH Act in the Senate. Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), David Rouzer (R-NC) and Emilia Sykes (D-OH) are championing the bill in the House.
Roughly half of coastal and Great Lakes beaches tested in 2022 had at least one day with potentially unsafe levels of fecal indicator bacteria (such as E. coli or enterococcus) according to a report by Environment America Research & Policy Center.
In response, Caroline Wagar, Federal Legislative Associate at Environment America, issued the following statement:
“Fecal bacteria and other pathogens in our waterways make millions of Americans sick each year. Until we can stop the sources of this pollution — including billions of gallons of sewage overflows — the least we can do is make sure the public knows when there is a health risk at their favorite beach.
“Kudos to Senators Tillis and Wyden and Representatives Joyce, Pallone, Rouzer and Sykes for moving to renew the BEACH Act. This is a critical step toward safeguarding the health of our communities.
“By providing funding for states to frequently test water along the Great Lakes and coastal beaches, this bipartisan legislation will help states pinpoint pollution sources and ensure that families know when our waters are safe for swimming.”
