Congressman Bill Posey posted a press release on his website today - TopicsExpress

Congressman Bill Posey posted a press release on his website today regarding the House of Representatives passing the Estuary Urgent Needs Priority Program Act he introduced with Congressman Patrick Murphy. (see attached) Though it is good news for our beloved lagoon, it makes me pause and think about some of Bill Posey’s other votes. Here are some votes he took in 2011, when our lagoon was in the midst of a deadly “superbloom” crisis. In February 2011 Bill Posey voted to block the EPA from using any funds to enforce standards created to control nutrient pollution in Florida. (Roll Call vote 123) In February 2011 he voted for a 67% cut to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which provides states with grants to upgrade treatment plants and other infrastructure to ensure clean water, and to cut the Clean Water Act Fund by 55%. (Roll Call vote 147) In July 2011 Bill Posey voted to prevent the EPA from revising weak state water quality standards unless the state concurs, even if the water quality standards are insufficient to protect human or aquatic health. (Roll Call vote 573) I am happy the House passed H.R. 5266 to reauthorize funding for the National Estuary Program. However, I sincerely hope that this was not just a campaign stunt and that Bill Posey will re-evaluate his positions on all votes regarding the EPA and the Clean Water Act in order to restore the Indian River Lagoon to health. As Ben Franklin said “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” CLICK ATTACHMENTS TO ENLARGE.