Environmentalist Erin Brockovich today announced her support for U.S. Congressman Brian Mast’s Stop Harmful Discharges Act during a visit to Stuart, Fla. with Rep. Mast and environmental group Bullsugar.org.
“People are inherently good the problem is we are not solutions driven,” Brockovich said. “The leadership demonstrated with the introduction of the Stop Harmful Discharges Act and the consistent efforts of Congressman Mast is that pathway towards a solution we can all support.”
The Stop Harmful Discharges Act makes public health and safety, including prevention of toxic cyanobacteria and the integrity of the Herbert Hoover Dike, the primary project purpose for the management of Lake Okeechobee. The current authorized project purposes—including flood control, navigation, water supply, regional groundwater control and salinity control, enhancement of fish and wildlife, and recreation—have resulted in the lake being managed to the substantial detriment of the communities east and west of the lake, whose health and safety is routinely put at risk by toxic discharges.
The Stop Harmful Discharges Act will amend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ project purposes to prioritize public health and safety on the Treasure Coast and throughout Florida. Under this new definition, the health and safety of communities east and west of the lake will be given equal priority to the rest of Florida for the first time.
Video of the announcement is available here.
