STORMTRACKER33 — Representatives Timothy Bishop (D-NY) and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), introduced a bill calling for a ban on the use of chemical dispersants when cleaning up oil spills. The bill titled, Ban Toxic Dispersants Act 2011, if approved would establish new procedures for the use of dispersants and ensure the safety of public health, water quality and the environment. "We need rigorous scientific testing of the long-term effects of chemical dispersants on public health and the environment before the government endorses their continued use", said Rep Timothy Bishop. Rep Jerrold Nadler said in a statement published this week, "It is time that we established a comprehensive approach for the use of dispersants if we are to protect the health of people, fisheries, marine mammals and their habitats."
The bill also calls for a temporary moratorium on the use of dispersants until the EPA completes research and changes to rulemaking procedures ensuring their safety is complete. Furthermore the ingredients and locations applied would be made public. This legislation is similar to H.R. 3524, Consolidated Land, Energy and Aquatic Resources Act passed by Congress last year.
Click here for the offical government website concerning the oil spill: http://www.restorethegulf.gov/ [1]