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New mercury pollution reductions will protect N.J. from contaminated seafood |
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On the night before Christmas, many Italian-American families celebrate a
traditional meal known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes. But there is
another, more unfortunate tradition in New Jersey: the Department of
Environmental Protection’s seafood advisories, which warn New Jerseyans,
especially women of childbearing age, about the dangers of mercury and
other toxins in local seafood. This year, we will have to be careful
which fish we serve. Many types of fish and shellfish from waters across
the state are labeled unsafe to eat.
However, thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency, we may soon not have to worry about toxic levels of mercury in the fish we eat. In a few days, President Obama is expected to announce new safeguards, designed by the EPA, to dramatically reduce mercury pollution emitted into our air and water. First proposed by then-President George H.W. Bush, these mercury standards are 20 years in the making and will protect women of childbearing age and babies from the birth defects, neurological disorders and developmental delays that are the result of mercury poisoning. Read the complete story from The Star-Ledger
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HASTINGS: Time to improve the Endangered Species Act
May 18, 2012 - When the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law in 1973 by President Nixon, he spoke about the importance of preserving “the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed.” I believe that goal is as important today as it was back then. However, after nearly 40 years, it’s time to take a fresh, honest look at the law and consider whether there are ways it could be improved to do a better job of protecting and recovering species.
