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By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

Clean Water Day

WHEREAS, on October 18, 2023, the nation marks the 51st Anniversary of the Clean Water Act, which aimed to prevent, reduce, and eliminate pollution in the Nation's water to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation's waters;” and

WHEREAS, this landmark environmental legislation has been central to the important progress we have made as a Commonwealth in improving the quality and health of our rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, and watersheds; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Virginia are dependent on clean waters to protect public health; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s abundant lakes, rivers, and streams provide its citizens with numerous recreational and commercial opportunities and greatly enhance their quality of life; and

WHEREAS, clean water plays a vital role in the economic prosperity of Virginia by providing a sustainable commercial fishing industry, supporting industry, yielding a robust tourism industry, and sustaining our tourism and agricultural sectors; and

WHEREAS, in the last 50 years, the overall health of our marine waters, lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands has also dramatically improved; and

WHEREAS, the Federal Government has cooperated with states, tribes, local communities, businesses, and concerned individuals to significantly reduce all forms of water pollution, making our waters better suited for recreation and other pursuits and more hospitable to aquatic life; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia will observe Clean Water Day with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, and will encourage its citizens to work together to appreciate and protect clean water as a vital source for our Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 18, 2023, as CLEAN WATER DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.