U.S. House Votes Against Protecting Water Sources from Pesticides
292-130 Vote Allows Unchecked Use of Chemical Pesticides in Water Sources
Washington, D.C. – Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act” (H.R. 872) by a vote of 292-130. The bill, introduced by Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH), allows the use of chemical pesticides in water sources without any limits or protections – endangering the safety of Americans’ drinking water.
Statement by Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club:
“We are appalled and deeply disappointed by today’s passage of the so-called ‘Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act’ in the House.
“Contrary to Rep. Gibbs’ claims that limits on pesticide levels in water would place unfair burdens on American farmers, this bill will risk the drinking water sources and health of all Americans, including farmers.
“Right now, the U.S. Geological Survey shows pesticides in 92 percent of streams around agricultural areas tested. Another USGS study also found that 96 percent of all fish analyzed in major rivers and streams contained one or more pesticide. That’s fish that we eat and water that we drink.
“The fact that this damaging and dangerous piece of legislation was able to pass with such a wide margin is alarming, and demonstrates the power of misinformation on Capitol Hill. The worst of it, however, is that Americans will have to pay the price.”
Anyone out there who voted Republan... are you maybe, just maybe, having second thoughts about your vote? Remember this feeling when you take a drink of water on Election Day 2012. That is, remember it if you aren't killed first by your drinking water.
We should send the Republicans water from frakking areas and contaminated wells.... shades of Erin Brockovich.
ReplyDeleteBut then they have lead in the water at Washington DC, which would explain a lot.