Yesterday, the Great Lakes troubles seemed so far away, now it looks as if they are here to stay all because the US Senate refuses to act now to stop the relentless march of invasive species.
The US Senate is acting as if we had all the time in the world to sit around and contemplate just how many invasive species can dance on the head of a pin. For the time being, navel gazing must give way to immediate action if we are going to save the Great Lakes and her tributaries from tipping into the great abyss of no return.
There are only three weeks in September for Congress to find a way to break through the impasse over the Ballast Water Act of 2008 or the lakes will be sentenced to another wave of invasive species. That is why the Healing Our Waters Coalition sent letters to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye urging them to unite behind the staff discussion draft of the Senate bill that appears to address the few concerns that have been raised that could stall the bill’s approval until next year.
Never, in the history of the Great Lakes has it been more important to have a strong ballast standard and this bill which has already been approved by the US House would do just that. Let the healing begin.
Related posts:
- Ballast Bill Looks Good With, Alas, Two Notable Exceptions
- Calling All Great Lakes US Senators
- Coalition Applauds U.S. House for Passing Strong Invasive Species Bill
- Drum Roll Please
- Coalition Turns up Heat on Congress to Confront Threat of Invasive Species