On the recordJune 21, 2012
Senator Johanns has an amendment which would stop the EPA from ever using any kind of airplanes--including manned small planes, which is all they do use--to check on serious pollution spills. I wish to say this is about life and death. I hope the Senate will support the Boxer amendment and vote no on the Johanns amendment because the Boxer amendment says the EPA can only use these overflights if it has to do it to protect the health and safety and if it has been approved by the State. This pollution could cause serious illness, and they want to make sure they can track the plume. We have heard of cryptosporidium, E. coli, and giardia. That is what we are talking about--terrible bacteria that sometimes comes from animals. In 1993, at least 50 people died from the bacteria cryptosporidium in Milwaukee, and it came from animal waste. The EPA has never used a drone, and they don't plan to, but don't stop them from using small aerial oversight. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nebraska.
