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Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) released the following statement regarding the President signing into law The Drinking Water Protection Act, legislation Rep. Latta authored and introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. The law amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to provide for the assessment and management of the risk of algal toxins in drinking water. 

“The Drinking Water Protection Act, now signed into law by the President, is a major step in addressing the crisis Ohioans faced last year when microcystin contaminated public drinking water, leaving nearly 500,000 residents unable to safely use their water. As algal toxins continue to be a growing threat to public drinking water - not just in Ohio, but across the country - I authored this bill in order to begin addressing this problem. H.R. 212, passed the House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support. The law is designed to better understand and further mitigate harmful algal toxins in the Great Lakes and other surface water. It guarantees that the proper short and long-term focus is on scientific understanding and mitigation efforts. Within 90 days, the EPA has to put forth a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with algal toxins in public drinking water. Millions of Ohioans rely on these resources for their drinking water supply, and it is imperative that we take action in order to ensure their public health and safety.”

Summary: The Drinking Water Protection Act (LINK)

Congressman Latta on House Passage of H.R. 212 (VIDEO)