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L2 � another role that the federal government — particularly EPA — can play, a role that the President and Governor Whitman are committed to strengthening . And that ' s the collection, aggregation, and distribution of environmental information . The great thinkers who founded this country knew that knowledge is. a fundamental prerequisite for a democracy, just as the free flow of information is a fundamental prerequisite for a free market . At EPA, we believe that complete, accurate , and easily accessible information is unquestionably the bedrock of effective environmental protection . So we ' re putting in place new and innovative technologies that are revolutionizing the way environmental data is collected and disseminated. This is another remarkable difference between EPA today and ten years ago . And it ' s a difference that will make your job a lot easier . For example , EPA has modernized STORET, the nation ' s largest data base on water quality, so that citizen groups can readily access the data. This data base makes it easier for everyone to understand local water quality— whether they ' re government officials , community activists , a high school biology class , or girl scouts working to earn their water drop patches . It makes it easier for everyone to know what they can do to protect it . EPA and our federal partners are also developing a new internet-based Watershed Information Network. It is accessible by the public and provides consolidated information about programs and resources available to help you. This network links users to financial, technical, and hands - on assistance available from EPA and other federal and non- federal partners . Another thing : EPA and our partners are working to improve publicly- accessible information about the quality of the nation ' s surface waters through the development of the Watershed Assessment, Tracking, and Environmental Results information system, called WATERS . WATERS displays geographic water quality information and allows citizens to quickly identify the water quality standards , impaired waters , and TNIDL status of surface water across the country. We ' re doing all this , and more, so that you have more tools to do your job . Information is power, and in the years ahead you ' ll have more and more power to take the actions necessary to protect the water that flows through your neighborhoods . You ' ve come here to Washington to discuss the barriers that impede watershed protection and restoration efforts across the country. That ' s an admirable goal, and I look forward to hearing about your findings . I intend to consider them carefully as EPA designs its own watershed agenda for the future . Under Governor Whitman, EPA will make every effort to ensure that our