Which of the following is NOT a primary goal of the Clean Water Act?

• A. Enhanced protection from public health threats posed by water pollution.
• B. More effective control of polluted runoff from agriculture, urban streets, public lands.
• C. Promotion of water quality on a watershed basis (cooperation between federal, states & local governments).
• D. Expansion of offshore drilling.

Answer: (D)

The main idea being tested is what the Clean Water Act is trying to achieve for water quality and public health. The Act is all about protecting and restoring the quality of U.S. waters by reducing pollution, regulating discharges, and coordinating efforts across federal, state, and local governments in a watershed-based approach. Enhanced protection from public health threats posed by water pollution and more effective control of polluted runoff from sources like agriculture and urban areas fit squarely with that mission, as does promoting water quality management across a watershed through intergovernmental cooperation. Expanding offshore drilling, however, is not a stated primary objective of the Clean Water Act; it relates more to energy policy and offshore resource development, not the Act’s core goals.