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proximity to pollution sources, and short-term increases in pathogens which result 

 from rainfall, sewage plant malfunctions, or other causes. 



The Bill also calls for the development of a research program to determine the 

 most effective indicators of environmental quality and a plan to deal with floatable 

 materials. Finally, EPA and the States will receive information and assistance in 

 implementing the legislation. 



One additional point I would like to note about the NRDC Study is that it showed 

 that monitoring programs are affordable and, with 160 million visitors to ocean and 

 bay beaches last year alone, are an investment well worth making. 



This bill is a great improvement to the shortcomings that currently exist in beach 

 testing and monitoring. It provides a "stamp of approval" for States to proudly show 

 people who live and vacation along the shore. Indeed, for coastal States, clean 

 beaches and ocean waters serve as a major source of recreation and are the founda- 

 tion of their tourism industry. 



I believe this is good environmental policy and I urge my colleagues' support. 



Mr. Chairman, thank you again for convening this timely hearing. I will close my 

 remarks by welcoming this panel. I look forward to their testimony. 



Mr. Ortiz. Now we will go to the panel, but we will recognize the 

 Members by seniority as they came into the hearing. 



Thank you very much. 



Mr. Hughes. Thank you. 



Mr. Ortiz. I would like now like to introduce the second panel. 



We have first Margaret Stasikowski, Director of Health and Eco- 

 logical Criteria Division of the Office of Science and Technology at 

 the Environmental Protection Agency. 



Vickie AUin is Chief of the Policy Coordination Division of the 

 Office of Coastal Resource Management of the National Oceanic 

 and Atmospheric Administration. 



Next, of course, is my good friend from Texas, Garry Mauro, 

 Commissioner from the Texas General Land Office. 



Marlin Dooley is the Director of Enforcement Coordination of the 

 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy. 



Sarah Chasis is a Senior Attorney with the Natural Resources 

 Defense Council and is the Director of their Coastal Project. She 

 has directed the NRDC Beach Closure Report for the last three 

 years. 



Last is Betsy Schrader. She is the Coordinator of the Marine 

 Debris Program for the Center for Marine Conservation. 



We are very happy to have you with us here today. 



We can begin with Ms. Stasikowski. That is a good Mexican 

 name; isn't it? 



Ms. Stasikowski. 



