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U.S. EPA Administrator reaffirms agency commitment to Lake Tahoe restoration

Release Date: 8/22/2005
Contact Information: Lisa Fasano (fasano.lisa@epa.go)v - 415/947-4307(desk) or 415/760-5421 (cell)

SAN FRANCISCO - U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson today reaffirmed the agency's pledge to help protect and restore Lake Tahoe at the annual Tahoe Regional Planning Basin summit in Tahoe City, Calif.

The weekend events included a signing of an agreement between the EPA and other federal and state partners to establish a science consortium.

"We are promoting the utilization of sound science while using collaborative, innovative approaches to solving environmental problems here at the Lake," remarked Administrator Johnson. "This regional collaboration will help us achieve our goals for a beautiful lake, a healthy forest and a vital economy in this area."

The new Consortium will work to better integrate advances in science and research into plans to address natural and human impacts on the lake. Johnson, a 24 year veteran and scientist at EPA, reiterated the need for strong science to support regional water quality planning efforts.

The EPA has provided more than $22 million since 1997 to promote water quality efforts in and around the Lake. Several years ago, the EPA placed a full-time staff person in Tahoe to work with the community and local agencies to coordinate ongoing watershed projects in the area.

The event, hosted by Senator Dianne Fienstein, was the first visit Administrator Johnson has made to the Lake Tahoe region since being sworn in by President Bush to head the agency in May. Johnson participated in the days event along with Senator Ensign of Nevada, John Paul Woodley, Assistant Secretary of the Army, and Brian Wallace, Chair of the Washoe Tribe.

For more information on Lake Tahoe go to: https://www.epa.gov/region09/water/watershed/tahoe.html
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