[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 33 (Thursday, February 26, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E258]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     DRINKING WATER PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 24, 2015

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 
212, the Drinking Water Protection Act.
  Last summer, as a result of toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie, hundreds 
of thousands of residents in Toledo were banned from using the city's 
drinking water, creating a state of emergency for local counties. This 
incident, which lasted for multiple days, is a reminder of the serious 
threat these toxic blooms pose to all of our Great Lakes and the 
communities that rely on them, and not just the immediately surrounding 
communities.
  The Great Lakes account for over 20 percent of the fresh water 
drinking supply on the entire planet, and they generate billions of 
dollars each year through the fishing and shipping industries and 
recreational activities. We cannot ignore the threat posed by these 
toxic algae blooms and need to do more to protect our magnificent 
Lakes.
  Assuring that we have adequate resources dedicated to monitoring and 
managing this threat across the entire Great Lakes Region must be a 
priority, which is why I introduced legislation last Congress to help 
advance voluntary assurance programs in Michigan and why I have and 
will continue to support legislative measures like H.R. 212, the 
Drinking Water Protection Act.
  Michigan farmers have been leading the way when it comes to 
protecting our Lakes from damage caused by algae blooms, but they 
should not carry the burden alone. We must all work together to 
preserve and protect the health of our agricultural and maritime 
resources. It is my hope that this important legislation will be 
promptly approved by the Senate and sent to the President's desk.

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