Political Quotes

“I am pleased to support H.R. 3650, the Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2009, which recognizes the growing problem of harmful algal blooms in coastal and freshwater environments. Unfortunately, I know all too well the need for this legislation. In September of 2009, a fish kill occurred in Dunkard Creek, a 38-mile creek on the border of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. According to news reports, this massive fish kill eliminated more than 160 species of fish, salamanders and endangered mussels from one of the most biologically-diverse streams in either State. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection determined that golden algae caused the kill, but much remains unknown. How did the algae arrive in West Virginia? What factors contributed to the bloom? How can blooms be contained from moving throughout the watershed? More information is needed to develop a thoughtful process to mitigate and control the growth and spread of harmful algae. Fortunately, the legislation under consideration today recognizes the increasing number of freshwater algal blooms, and establishes a partnership between NOAA and EPA to research, monitor and respond to those freshwater blooms. Ultimately, this legislation will put West Virginia in a better position to address existing blooms in the State and prevent further spread of golden algae. For West Virginia, this is an ecological and economic issue.”