Weak EPA ballast rules and U.S. Senate foot-dragging contributing to invasives problem
July 15, 08 by TheFleetIf you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
by Tom Henry | Source: Toledo Blade
While the EPA defends its new rules, the National Wildlife Federation fears the agency is just doing more window dressing.
“We need something with teeth,” said Jordan Lubetkin, spokesman for the group’s Great Lakes office in Ann Arbor, who called the EPA’s response “nothing more than the status quo.”
“We need to light a fire under Congress and specifically the Senate for a problem that’s been brewing for decades,” Mr. Lubetkin said.
A bill to the group’s liking passed the U.S. House in April. It would require ships to install technology that will kill all exotics and micro-organisms that are in their ballast tanks, though allowing for some flexibility in the type of technology that is used.
The U.S. Senate has not acted on it.
… In 2005, Michigan became the first state to create its own permitting system - something which observers viewed as a cue for Washington that it was tired of the foot-dragging. It can impose fines of up to $25,000. Ohio has been considering a similar program.
“The states are obviously frustrated. That’s why they’re moving forward with their own legislation,” said James Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers Association.
Full story includes nice rundown on major invasives that have hit the lakes over the years >>
