GLIN==> Coast Guard Action on Invasive Species ‘Too Slow, Has Too Many Loopholes’

Coast Guard Action on Invasive Species ‘Too Slow, Has Too Many
Loopholes’
 
Ann Arbor, Mich.—Today, the U.S. Coast Guard is holding a hearing in
Chicago, Ill., on a proposed rule to protect the Great Lakes and other
U.S. waters from the introduction of aquatic invasive species via
ballast water discharge.
 
Andy Buchsbaum, co-chair of the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes
Coalition, said:
 
“Invasive species from ballast water have infected the Great Lakes like
a cancer. We need strong medicine to stop this disease, and we need it
fast. The Coast Guard rule could be that medicine – but right now it’s
too slow and it has too many loopholes. 
 
“The Coast Guard has set a standard that is as environmentally
protective as the toughest state law. That’s good. But the timeline for
implementing the standard is weak. Ocean-going ships could avoid
complying until after 2020. And there are loopholes that extend the
deadline even farther.  The Great Lakes will be irreparably damaged by
that time.
 
“That’s like waiting until the patient dies before offering any
medicine.  
 
“People, businesses and cities are paying more than $200 million per
year in damages from invasive species, so it is important that the Obama
Administration take the strongest action possible to stop any further
invaders.
 
“The Obama Administration needs to get this right by making sure that
both the Coast Guard rules and U.S. EPA permit provide the strongest
possible protection to the people, communities and businesses that
continue to pay the price for government inaction on the ongoing threat
of invasive species.
 
“The Obama Administration needs to act swiftly to force foreign vessels
to stop discharging into the Great Lakes and other U.S. waters harmful
aquatic invasive species that impact our health, economy and way of
life.”
 
For Immediate Release: 
October 2, 2009
 
Contact:
Andy Buchsbaum, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, 734-887-7109
Chad Lord, Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition, 202-257-4365
Jordan Lubetkin, Healing Our Waters-great Lakes Coalition,
734-887-7109
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jordan Lubetkin - Senior Regional Communications Manager
National Wildlife Federation
Great Lakes Regional Center
213 W. Liberty St., Suite 200
Ann Arbor, MI 48104-1398
www.nwf.org/greatlakes 
www.healthylakes.org ( http://www.healthylakes.org/ )

Phone: (734) 887-7109 
Cell: (734) 904-1589

Inspiring Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.
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