September 14, 2009
Dear PURRE Members:
I am traveling to Washington later today to attend a hearing in the House of Representatives later this week entitled "Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia: Formulating an Action Plan." This is a follow-up to a hearing PURRE requested and attended last year.
Unlike last year's hearing, this one will address specific legislative goals with the hope of having a bill in the House before the end of the month. We are currently reviewing a draft of the House bill.
PURRE had suggested we have a witness to talk about the impact of harmful algal blooms on the community, but we did not make the cut. As you will see from the list below, all of the witnesses either work for government agencies who administer these programs or scientists who can talk about HABs. Our witness would have addressed the impact of HABs on the community.
While we did not make the cut, we have made it known to the committee that addressing the socio-economic harm from HABs is an important part of this effort and will continue to work towards that goal.
Let me know if you have questions or concerns about this bill. You can review the Senate version by going to http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:s952is.txt.pdf
The House bill is not yet available for distribution.
DAN WEXLER, Public Policy Director
PURRE Water Coalition
Here is the witness list:
