Rep. Bobby Jindal’s ‘Dead Zone’ Bill Faces Debate

By Anonymous

Rep. Bobby Jindal, R-Kenner, today introduced an amendment to the Department of the Interior and Environment Appropriations Act to fight the growing hypoxic zone, or Dead Zone, in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Dead Zone forms each summer in the Gulf of Mexico when pollutants are released into the Mississippi River and flow down to the Gulf, with large amounts of algae accumulating along the way. The growth and decomposing algae consume the water’s oxygen, making it uninhabitable for fish, shrimp, and other marine wildlife. This Dead Zone is an environmental danger and causes serious problems for Louisiana’s fisheries industry.

“Louisiana’s economy, especially the fisheries industry, and environment have been confronted by innumerable challenges since the landfall of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and we must do everything possible to protect our state’s future,” Jindal said.

Jindal’s amendment would direct $2.5 million to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Gulf of Mexico Program, which already provides around $2.5 million each year in grants to states, universities, and private entities to develop techniques and science needed to restore and protect the Gulf of Mexico. The grants can be used to develop solutions to the Dead Zone and for water quality, public health, nutrient reductions, and coastal restoration.

Debate on the Interior Appropriations bill is expected to last through Tuesday and Jindal’s amendment is expected to be voted on Wednesday.

Credit: CityBusiness Staff Report

(Copyright 2007 Dolan Media Newswires)

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