FACTOIDS
Texas to Improve Monitoring of Beach Pollution
Just a month after NRDC identified Texas as a "beach bum" for its failure to regularly monitor and notify the public of beach pollution problems, the Texas General Land Office announced that it will begin a monitoring program at 10 of the state's most popular Gulf Coast beaches. While Texas's decision signifies an important step forward, the Land Office does not have the authority to close beaches or issue advisories -- the other half of NRDC's recommended beach water safety program. For more information on beach monitoring programs for specific states and beaches, see the findings of NRDC's annual beach survey.
(Excerpt from Natural Resources Defense Council website at http://www.nrdc.org/comm/announce.html)
Beaches, rivers and lakes are number 1 vacation choice for Americans
Beaches, rivers and lakes are the number one vacation source for Americans, helping to support a flourishing recreation and tourism industry. Each year, Americans take over 1.8 billion trips to go fishing, swimming, boating, or to just relax around favorite water destinations. (Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency publication, "Liquid Assets," May 1996)
A federal appeals court ruled that water pollution can be punishable by a year in jail if caused by simple negligence or carelessness. This recent 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals decision applies to prosecutions under the Clean Water Act in nine Western states.
Most pollution crimes which involve unintentional acts require proof of gross negligense or failure to use even slight care. The new ruling states that criminal prosecution can be based on failure to use reasonable care or ordinary negligence.
One of the ways you can help support the Surfrider Foundation is to remember us when making selections through your employee deduction campaign such as; Earth Share, the Environmental Portfolio of your United Way Campaign, or through the Combined Federal Campaign (our number is 0946).