Lake Ontario Waterkeeper

With ballast water, how serious is the president, when as commander and chief he appears willing to let the coast guard purpose a two decade plan, with proposals that mirror the IMO for ten years. Even if he wins re election we would have no change from the IMO policy during his administration. What if the next commander and chief wish to direct the coast guard, to again delay? We still do not have assured protection anytime in the future with the time line from this new interest by the coast guard.
JOB CREATION?

A strong national goal and policy to quickly fix the ballast water problem from the obvious carbon foot prints and polluted water trail left by old ships as they deliver fossil fuels and foreign consumer goods would be slowed dramatically and create jobs for the long term future of our country. New green technology geared toward energy independence should become more cost effective to develop. The political will may not be in Congress to protect America because this is not a republican, democrat issue. This is oil and consumer goods being internationally and domestically transported by ships and an American issue of security and freedom, unfortunately the money lobby can remain silent as they are on the same side. Maybe if we were not dependent on China to buy our treasury notes, or Saudi Arabia really wanted their waters kept clean we could afford the strong protections the Coast Guards needs for the ability to complete this mission. The impact that implementation of a strong policy, with a fast time line for cleaned water disposal only, will have on shipping, will change the economic dynamics of world trade and also protect our countries environment and health for future generations.
New technologies required for environmental shipping should cost those wishing to bring goods into our country more money (making American manufacturing cost effective), not those who wish to protect our country from ecological destruction and disease resulting from economic globalization to help foreign economies. Unfortunately legislation crafted in 2008 by the House of Representatives was not considered by the Senate because of worries that it would over ride the stricter time line of the state of California’s regulations, so now better than a year later we have nothing. Now the military, (Coast Guard) who is directed by the President (commander and chief) are purposing a couple decades plus plan. It will take a President who cares more about the world’s long term health, environment, American freedom, independence and quality of life, more than the economic globalization of our country with foreign economies.