Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, today is March 18; and in my district in Maine, people who enjoy fishing are counting down on the days until they begin the fishing season. Again this year, as in the past, recreational anglers who fish in Maine's lakes will be unable to feed their catch to their children. Mercury has made fish unsafe for children and pregnant women. We have known for years that many fish caught in fresh water posed a risk to our health. Now, just recently, we have confirmed that the canned tuna fish that we buy in grocery stores should not be eaten in large amounts either. Due to their position downwind of many of the most offensive mercury polluters, the people in Maine by themselves cannot control the amount of mercury in their communities. As someone who enjoys fishing, I can say that the fishing in Maine remains some of the best in the country, but there was a time when it was not only about recreation; fresh water fishing also helped feed families. In my district, the Maine Environmental Health Unit has a responsibility to inform the public of this mercury problem.”