Environment

Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) today introduced the Great Lakes & Fresh Water Algal Blooms Information Act, bipartisan legislation to examine the causes and current mitigation efforts of algal blooms in the Great Lakes, their tributaries and surface fresh waters. “The health of our Great Lakes is imperative,” said Latta. “With 84 percent of North America’s fresh surface water, these vital resources supply 40 million Americans with drinking water and generate tens of billions of dollars in fishing ... Read more

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee today examined the affordability of clean water and the unprecedented financial challenges communities face in meeting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new wastewater mandates. Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) has introduced H.R. 3862, the Clean Water Affordability Act, to ensure clean water agencies have the flexibility they need to undertake clean water projects in a more affordable ... Read more

Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) today released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of S. 1254, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act. The legislation reauthorizes a program to monitor and mitigate the harmful impacts of algal blooms on freshwater resources and expands the Task Force within the program to include a representative of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Our Great Lakes and freshwater resources are ... Read more

At an Energy and Commerce Committee joint hearing between the Subcommittees on Energy and Power and Environment and the Economy, Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH) today questioned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy regarding the unnecessary and over burdensome regulations imposed by the EPA on businesses and their impacts on Americans throughout the country. “The EPA has imposed excessive regulations on American businesses, especially in the manufacturing sector, making... Read more

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) issued the following statement following passage of the bipartisan Conference Report for the Surface Transportation Extension Act: “I was pleased to vote in favor of the Conference report which included the Portman language to save the City of Findlay $3 million in their efforts tocontrol the flood problems to reduce job and property loss to community members.” The Portman language will allow the City of Findlay to utilize land that was previously off-limi... Read more

Today Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) reintroduced the Clean Water Affordability Act. The bill amends the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, updating the EPA’s clean water affordability policy to assist municipalities’ that cannot meet unfunded mandates to improve their wastewater infrastructure projects. If approved, municipalities will have an extended loan repayment period from the current limit of 20 years to 30 years, as well as allow extra time for their implementation schedules ... Read more

During a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee hearing, Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) questioned EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson with respect to the agency’s proposed $8.973 billion budget request for Fiscal Year 2012. Specifically, Congressman Latta questioned the projected $947 million cuts in revolving loan funds to states that are trying to comply with federal water regulations under the Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act—funds the Fifth Congressional District relies on... Read more

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) issued the following statement in support of Amendment 516 offered by U.S. Representative David Camp (R-MI), which failed on Thursday. The measure, which was part of a Continuing Resolution, would have shut two shipping locks around Chicago, preventing the further spread of Asian Carp into the Great Lakes. “It’s unfortunate that the amendment failed, but I am not discouraged in the fight to keep Asian Carp from negatively impacting Ohio. “As a sportsman, I... Read more

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green), a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced his subcommittee assignments for the 112th Congress. Latta will serve on the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, the Subcommittee on Health, and the Subcommittee on Environment and Economy. “I want to thank Chairman Upton for the opportunity to serve on these important subcommittees. These subcommittees will be the starting point for dismantling the last four years of reckless publi... Read more

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) made the following statement congratulating Congressman Fred Upton (R-MI) as the Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce for the 112th Congress. “I want to congratulate Fred on his Chairmanship for the 112th Congress. Fred’s position will be an asset to our region and the United States as we work towards meaningful health care reform, an ‘all of the above’ national energy policy, and improving our nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.”... Read more