Don Mitchel

Dear Sirs, Reportedly, Rep Oberstar agreed to address h.r.3619 with an amendment to address ballast dumping. We must make sure that the legislation purposed will be as strong, as legislation already passed, by the largest elected voice of the American people. (House of Representatives) As the politics involved with the last bill’s failure in the Senate, state rights, gas terminal protection, etc. have to still be addressed, and noticing the collage of bills related to h.r.3619 this time, (making it harder to pass) it will be interesting to watch how the Senate will consider ballast water, and the national security and the health problems associated with it. These are problems that will affect all Americans equally, not just by state, as pathogens, virus and anything else mixed with water do not understand state laws. Urge Rep Oberstar to please keep up his strong work regarding ballast legislation by presenting a bill, for the Coast Guards mission that is at least as strong, as what the members of the House have previously agreed upon. A bill with less stringent goals and standards would only be pandering to those who wish to weaken the mission as a way of fostering less expense to shipping or protect state rights. (especially those states that depend on oil and imported goods coming into their state, who may not be looking for a strong national policy). Work on ballast legislation has not produced anything close to adequate in decades. Change to legislation can often be impossible to achieve, once new legislation is enacted We need to do it right, the first time, and not allow the continued destruction of our environment, while leaving the American peoples health at risk. Strong legislation with strong goals will in the long run not only protect America, but will set precedent for the entire world. To use a quote reportedly made by Rep Oberstar after the demise of h.r.2830, anything else would be "bullshit" Sincerely, Don Mitchel