Kendra S. Horn: “I strongly urge that we pass this much needed environmental initiative today. As a Representative from California, with…”

“I strongly urge that we pass this much needed environmental initiative today. As a Representative from California, with beautiful beaches stretching along the coastal areas in my district, I have seen first-hand the need to establish national safety standards for monitoring coastal recreation waters. Beach-goers in my district and across the nation are often forced to postpone their recreational plans due to contamination by urban runoff or sewage spills. Swimming along California's shore should not pose a potential health hazard. However, in 1999, Lost Angeles County--including Long Beach--issued advisories or closed beaches 460 times. H.R. 999 addresses this problem by providing effective mechanisms to ensure that beach water quality is monitored and safe for recreational use. The bill amends the Clean Water Act to establish a grant program for states to monitor coastal recreation waters. It also sets a deadline for updating state water quality standards to protect the public from disease-carrying pathogens. I should also mention that updated water quality standards are not only good for public health, but also for the environment--cleaner waters mean healthier marine animals and protected aquatic habitats.”