On the recordMarch 9, 2010
I want to commend Ms. Castor for her comments, and join her in acknowledgement of the incredible leadership of Connie Mack from Florida. We talk about the costs of this legislation. Consider the costs to Florida's economy, to the Gulf economy if a red tide comes in at the height of tourist season. You can't swim in this; it's toxic. You can't fish in it, you can't collect shellfish. The fishing industry out in the coast when a hypoxic zone comes in, it kills hundreds of thousands of fish overnight. Shore birds are affected. And on and on the list goes. As Ms. Castor pointed out and as Mr. Mack has pointed out in our discussions, making sure that we understand what causes this and finding ways to remediate it and prevent it is not only in the interests of human health, it is in the interests of our economy as well. I am particularly pleased also that the Puget Sound area, which is near and dear to my heart and near to my home, has received recognition.
