LETTERS: HR 961 THREATENS CLEAN-WATER LEGISLATION

To the editor:

In its haste to destroy environmental and health protection and serve corporate polluters, Congress is rushing headlong to pass HR 961, the Dirty Waters Bill. This bill was drafted in backroom deals with the chemical industry, the oil industry, agribusiness and other special interests. Discussions were closed to the public and the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill will roll back 23 years of progress in protecting our nation's waters. The American people call for clean water. This bill is not what we want. We call for stronger protection for drinking water and natural water bodies, not weaker protection.

We simply cannot afford to let this pattern of congressional behavior continue. Representatives should know that they will pay a price for destroying regulations protecting us from the irresponsible behavior of special interests and corporate polluters.

ALAN JOURNET

Cape Girardeau