Carol Reed

Hello. I have read about the new rule governing the release of ballast water in US waterways—and its intent to contain invasive species. I'm saddened that it took this long to implement such a rule, that it may only marginally improve protection of our waterways, and that it may be 10 years before some shippers are made to comply. Invasive animal species are already costing our economy over $120 billion a year in remediation. And these costs are borne by states, municipalities, consumers and the US government—not those causing the problem. I urge tightening and hastening the implementation of these rules. This planet is already straining to adapt to our mismanagement in so many areas—here's one where we can and must act quickly and effectively.