Americans are concerned about the air we breathe, the water we drink and the environmental legacy we leave our children. However, we should have no expectations of this administration or the majority party in Congress. The Bush administration was pressured by industries for exemptions from reporting toxic lead releases to the EPA, which would take away our right to know. The administration's hesitation before deciding the lead reporting regulations would stand is revealing. Lead is extremely dangerous, especially for children.
Lead causes brain damage, learning disabilities and lowers IQs.
To even consider eliminating reporting requirements for lead emissions was an assault on our children and our communities. President Bush's home state of Texas is no model for environmental stewardship. This is a shameful record not to be shared with the rest of the nation. Even with our record of striving for environmental excellence, Minnesota cannot be an island. We, like all Americans, are dependent on air and water that knows no boundaries.