John McHugh

Contact: John McHugh

Washington, Apr 22 - Marking Earth Day this month gives us the opportunity to reflect on our nation’s environmental priorities. It is clear that during these challenging economic times, Congress needs to be judicious about what regulations we enact and what programs we fund. I believe that maintaining a commitment to the environment needs to remain one of these priorities. In New York, we can clearly see how a healthy, clean environment is vital to our region’s economic viability. From fishing tournaments on Lake Champlain to recreational boaters on Lake Ontario, to hikers, hunters, and skiers in the Adirondack Park, our region has a significant tourism-based economy. This must be maintained through the right balance of environmental regulations and funding choices.

New York is home to many of our nation’s greatest lakes, rivers, and forests. But, our region still faces serious environmental challenges. The toxins that cause acid rain - sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide - and mercury are byproducts of the coal burning process. Acidified trees are clearly visible as you hike through the Park and warnings still exist about eating fish caught in our waterways due to high levels of mercury. Many studies have also identified a relationship between acid rain and increased illness and premature death from heart and lung disorders, such as asthma and bronchitis.

Mercury precipitation from coal-fired power plants is particularly harmful to women of childbearing age and fetuses. This potent toxin, which primarily enters our food supply through the consumption of contaminated fish, has been linked to many neurological and kidney disorders.

I believe that targeted regulation of coal-fired power plants is a cost effective way to reduce these harmful emissions. The power industry had already been preparing for this until recent court decisions struck down two programs regulating acid rain and mercury emissions – the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) and the Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR). The absence of any federal mercury regulations and only a temporarily reinstated acid rain restrictions make for an untenable situation.

Based on these facts, I have introduced legislation, the Acid Rain and Mercury Control Act, that will combat these three pollutants. Specifically, my legislation would require a 75 percent cut in sulfur and nitrogen emissions from power plants by 2012 from 1997 levels and a 90 percent reduction in mercury emissions by 2013 from current levels. Additionally, last year, I worked with other Members of Congress to ensure that the Administration’s proposed cuts to critical acid rain monitoring programs were not enacted. Along with my colleagues, we ensured that three programs - the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), Temporary Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems (TIME), and Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) –were fully funded. It is critical that we complement appropriate regulations with measures that ensure their effectiveness, like these three programs. I have continued to advocate that these programs receive funding in the Appropriations Bill for fiscal year 2010.

It is also incumbent upon us to work to remove invasive species from our water resources. As anyone fishing Lakes Champlain and Ontario knows, a single sea lamprey can ruin a day’s catch. I am a strong supporter of federal programs that combat these parasites. Time and again, we have seen how targeted action to eliminate these invaders has had a measurable economic impact. For example, since the Great Lakes Fisheries Commission started working with the Lake Champlain Basin Program, we have seen a marked decrease in sea lamprey wounds and many world class fishing tournaments now consider Lake Champlain a must stop. Additionally, cutting-edge sea lamprey control techniques are being researched on Lake Ontario. These programs are important in maintaining and growing our fisheries on the Great Lakes, which are worth over $7 billion to the entire region.

There is much we can do here in New York to better protect our environment, and combating air and water pollutants is a significant part of the overall picture. As in the past, I will continue to push in Congress for legislation and programs that benefit our environment, economy, and health in New York State. Even in tough fiscal times, being a responsible steward of our environment can lead to greater economic gains and an enhanced quality of life for local residents and visitors to our great state.