FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
07/10/2007
CONTACT: Alexis Henry, Communications Manager
Direct (949) 732-6413 / Office (949) 492-8170
email: ahenry@surfrider.org
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION TESTIFIES BEFORE CONGRESS
For the second time in a month, the Surfrider Foundation will be giving testimony before Congress.
On Thursday, July 12th, Surfrider Foundation’s Water Quality Coordinator, Mara Dias, will be appearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, to provide testimony in support of reauthorizing and expanding the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act, or “BEACH Act” as it is known.
Originally passed in 2000, the BEACH Act established consistent nationwide standards for coastal water quality monitoring, testing and notification.
“This is a critical piece of legislation for the safety and welfare of the beach-going public,” says Surfrider Foundation’s Environmental Director Chad Nelsen.
Three separate bills have been submitted to the House to reauthorize the BEACH Act until 2012. The most comprehensive bill, co-sponsored by Representatives Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Tim Bishop (D-NY), raises the funding level to $60 million annually. Currently the BEACH Act is authorized at $30 million but has never received more than $10 million in a year. Provisions to implement new rapid testing methods, complete source-tracking studies, and improve public notification are also proposed.
Dias recently appeared before the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure Security, and Water Quality to urge them to reauthorize the BEACH Act as well.
The Surfrider Foundation
is a non-profit grassroots environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our world’s oceans, waves and beaches. Now in its 25th year, the Surfrider Foundation has grown from a small group of dedicated surfers in Malibu, California to a global movement made up of over 50,000 members and 90 chapters worldwide. For more information visit us at www.surfrider.org.
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