Dold no friend to the environment

Over the last two months, 10th Congressional District Rep. Robert Dold has cast many shocking anti-environmental votes in Congress that have put him out of step with his constituents — who favor environmental protection.

In the run-up to the recently passed House budget bill (HR1), at least 19 anti-environmental amendments were voted on by representatives, most designed to weaken or eliminate many important EPA rules that protect our air and water. Rep. Dold voted for 17 of these anti-environmental amendments.

Some examples? Rep. Dold voted to prohibit the EPA from enforcing rules that control the amount of mercury put in the air by the cement industry, to prohibit efforts to control pollution in Chesapeake Bay and in Florida’s lake system, to eliminate EPA efforts to make sure that toxic coal ash is disposed of in a way that minimizes its harmful impact on public health, and to stop all EPA monitoring of pollutants emitted by power plants and refineries.

Dold’s votes on these amendments reflect recent efforts by congressional Republicans to weaken the EPA and prevent it from protecting public health. Dold’s anti-environmental voting record does not reflect the wishes of the 10th Congressional District. His anti-environmental voting record should be of great concern to all district residents who value environmental protection and public health.

Mark Kraemer

Wilmette