Impacts of Oil Dispersants Unknown; Senators Demand Research

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http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/07/15/impacts-of-oil-dispersants-unknown-senators-demand-research/


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"We need more research," Lisa Jackson, head of the EPA, told a Senate panel Thursday. "We need more information on all dispersants, and that is not only a BP problem. That is something that I believe needs to come out of this issue."

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What seemed most alarming to the senators was the lack of understanding about the effectiveness and impacts of dispersants, despite the use of a similar response more than 21 years ago in Prince William Sound, Alaska, in the Exxon Valdez spill. Some 1.8 millions gallons of the chemical mix have been used to battle the BP oil spill so far.

"Here, what I come away with is, what we don't know can hurt us," said Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J. "And we've got to step up to this and do our work in advance and not be relying on catch-up to find out whether or not these dispersants, the chemicals therein, are threatening to human health and the environment."

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"Dr. Robinson, I want you more than interested," said Sen. Barbara Mikulski, D-Md. "Sir, I need NOAA on the edge of their chair. I need a sense of urgency here. We're going to fund the research. We have a sense of urgency. We need you to have that urgency"
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keep at them Barbara. urgency should be in caps - URGENCY!

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1. and I'm bringing this thread back to pg. 1 so we can help Sen. Mikulski

in her demand for more and quick research on the harm the dispersment is causing and will continue to cause.

how the Reps and Sens can be so ho hum about this is disturbing. are their brains working?

[lonestarnot]

2. Unbelievably slow response to such a colossal threat to life.