U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo) and two other Ohio congressmen — U.S. Reps. David Joyce (R., Russell Twp.) and Tim Ryan (D., Howland) — said Tuesday they have introduced legislation that would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to appoint a coordinator for addressing the Great Lakes’ harmful algal blooms.
If approved, the legislation would “ensure that there is a coordinator at the EPA to work with the appropriate federal agencies and state, local, tribal and foreign governments to address this critical issue affecting the state of Ohio,” according to a joint statement.
“This legislation reflects the kind of long-term strategic planning necessary to track and prevent algal blooms now and in the future,” Miss Kaptur said. “Assigning a point person not only ensures EPA takes responsibility for our federal algal bloom response, it creates accountability. This is especially important as we move into another algal-bloom season and ramp up investments in algal bloom research, tracking and prevention initiatives.”
Mr. Joyce said it “only makes sense that we put someone on the job full time,” while Mr. Ryan said it is “critical that we do everything in our power to combat these harmful algal blooms that threaten the health and well-being of our state.”
The legislation has been endorsed by the Lake Erie Improvement Association, Lake Erie Waterkeeper Inc., the Ohio Environmental Council, Freshwater Future, the Alliance for the Great Lakes, the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, and the Ohio Charter Boat Association.
“A manager for the nutrient problem in Lake Erie is badly needed to coordinate all the research and have a portal for all information as well as accountability for nutrient reductions and the money being spent,” said Sandy Bihn, Lake Erie Waterkeeper’s founder.
Said Kristy Meyer, Managing Director of Agricultural, Health & Clean Water Programs at the Ohio Environmental Council: "No community can afford to risk even a day without water because of toxic algae."
Paul Pacholski, president of the Ohio Charter Boat Association, said the position is “the missing piece that is needed in the Great Lakes to coordinate the efforts being undertaken in the western Lake Erie basin, including ensuring the coordination and collating of monitoring data.”
First Published April 22, 2015, 4:00 a.m.