Advocacy Project: Letter to Senator

December 12, 2011

Senator Amy Klobuchar

U.S. Senate

302 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Vote Yes on Safe Treatment of Polluted Stormwater Runoff Act, or STOPS Runoff Act

Each year, billions of pounds of toxic emissions are released into the environment.  These toxins pollute our land, water, and air, which can make people extremely ill.  The STOPS Runoff Act will have a big impact on preventing stormwater runoff from contaminating our land and water.  As a health specialist and advocate, I believe that any pollution reduction possible will benefit the health of people and our planet.  

This Act will help keep the water that we drink, that our plants and animals consume, and that we use for everyday purposes remains safe for human use.  Currently, 27,000 gallons of stormwater runoff from a one-acre parking lot occurs after one inch of rain.   When tested, there were 23 types of pesticides found in Puget Sound during a rainstorm.  Without this Act, stormwater runoff will continue to collect sediments, bacteria and pathogens, debris, and hazardous waste, and deposit them into water.  

While some people may argue that stormwater runoff is a natural occurrence that has been happening for millions of years, it is essential that everyone realizes runoff is hazardous to the planet and human health.  Stormwater runoff is a natural occurrence, but with the expansion of the human lifestyle came unnatural pollutants.  Parking lots, sports fields, gravel lots, rooftops, the expansion of farming, and pesticides are some of the human creations that have turned stormwater runoff into a toxic pollutant.  To decrease the amount of runoff polluting our water, I suggest you pass the STOPS Runoff Act.  This Act was created to reduce polluted stormwater runoff from federally funded highways and road projects with green infrastructure and natural landscaping.  

In a time when it is critical for people everywhere to live more eco-friendly, I appreciate your support on sustainability issues.  I hope that you understand the potential benefits of passing the STOPS Runoff Act, and would be glad to answer any further questions on the matter.  

Emily