Baseline- 3.9 billion pounds of toxic pollutants were released in to the environment in 2008.
Target- 3.5 billion pounds
Title- to direct the Secretary to establish a comprehensive design standard program to prevent, control, and treat polluted stormwater runoff from federally funded highways and roads, and for other purposes.
Short Title- Safe Treatment of Polluted Stormwater Runoff Act, or STOPS Runoff Act
Sponsor- Sen. Benjamin Cardin
Introduced- 5/5/2011
Last Major Action- 5/5//2011, referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Political Representatives- Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken
Recommendation- Vote Yes on EH-11 Reduce the amount of toxic pollutants released into the environment
Sorry for not commenting right away! I got so caught up with things that were popping up that I completely forgot to comment or blog. Anyways, it was good to read the bill you chose and mine should be up by the end of the evening tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThese are really complex issues. I'm not fully aware of the issues with storm water run off. I appreciate that there are federal regulations around this. A bit surprised that this doesn't exist already.
ReplyDeleteThe title of the bill above is for toxic pollutants. (I'm not sure which one you meant to use, or if they are totally the same and I'm just confused.
Toxic Pollutants in the environment is such an intense and complex issue.
What do companies and people do to reduce pollutants? What methods can be substituted that don't actually cause more pollutants in a different or less obvious way? How do companies find the funding to make changes?
It kind of amazes me that we haven't solved some of the issues on some level yet. I don't have answers, that is for sure. It just seems like there are things that can be done by companies and individuals. Making changes is tough. For most of us, save those with severe respiratory issues, we don't know how pollution is effecting us for the lack of direct cause and effect.
In reality, I'm not sure what all is being done to help. Clearly some people are trying to buy cars, for instance, that leave less of a footprint, and some businesses are making huge efforts. What is realistic and possible compared to what is desired, I don't fully have a grip on.
I also chose pollution, but mine is for air pollutants and air quality. I agree with Judy that it's surprising that this bills doesn't already exist. I feel as though sometimes we don't think about runoff water and how it can affect us.
ReplyDelete