Bush & Contaminated Drinking Water: Withholding Funds, Leadership to Fix Leaks in Underground Storag

[Mind_your_head]

<snip>
President Bush has allowed underground storage tanks to fall into gross disrepair and is now trying to withhold billions in federal funds needed to fix them, according to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released today by Democratic Reps. John Dingell and Hilda Solis.

Leaks in underground storage tanks can contaminate water supplies used by nearly half of all Americans, and the GAO reports there are some 117,000 known leaks across the nation. More than 16,000 new leaks are expected to be confirmed in the next five years. Fixing just half of the existing leaks will cost $12 billion, according to the GAO, but George Bush only requested $72 million from a trust fund specifically designed to fix this very problem.

The fund, paid for by a portion of the federal gasoline tax, has a multibillion-dollar surplus. Bush requested less than 3% of the total amount in the trust fund.

"This report shows the gross inadequacy and disgraceful nature of President Bush's most recent budget request," said Rep. Dingell, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "The inexplicable failure to use available resources to speed the cleanup of pollution that is likely to spread, places human health and the environment at an increased risk."
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http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/alerts/181 (article)

http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/d07152.pdf (Original GAO Report - pdf)

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This is a very IMPORTANT ISSUE for EVERY American. This is something that truly DOES/WILL affect nearly 1/2 of all Americans - 150 million people - in this nation!!! Our drinking water! Terrorists at the mall probably is not a real threat for most Americans - This is a problem NOW and will get worse. How come *co is holding up the repair money THAT IS ALREADY SITTING THERE???

[Benhurst]

1. None dare call it treason. Recommended #3

[tk2kewl]

2. They're waiting for Halliburton to set up a new hydrology division.

[RestoreGore]

3. They are too busy PRIVATIZING it to give a damn.

Thank you for this. Recommended.

[Jcrowley]

4. K&R n/t

[Mind_your_head]

5. Kick - There's at LEAST 150 MILLION Of you out there who should care!

The money is THERE.

Benezene in your water while you're brushing your teeth.

Benzene in the water while you mix the formula for your baby....

Think 'Erin Brochovich'

BUT if you don't CARE about your own water and your own environment.... I won't either.....

This is HUGE, and the MONEY IS THERE!

CALL CONGRESS RIGHT F*CKING NOW!!!!!!!