Can anybody tell me what is wrong with this letter
SENATOR
DARRELL STEINBERG
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
SIXTH SENATE DISTRICT
April 4. 2011
Sacramento. CA
Dear Mr.
Thank you for your recent communication in support of SB 657 (Gaines) which would repeal the restrictions on the use of vacuum or suction dredge equipment established by SB 670 in 2009. This bill would also refund permit holders from 2009 who were impacted when the season was cut short, and would allow dredging to begin again while an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is completed, which would not comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
SB 657 stems from a considerable legislative history of dredging in California. At the boom of the California Goldrush, miners began dredging to separate gold from mercury. However, years after hydraulic mining was no longer performed, mercury was found in river ecosystems, which has had serious consequences for water quality, fishing, and river ecology. Some dredgers argue that they are removing mercury through this process but it is possible that smaller particles are suspended in the water and may be carried downstream, increasing the possibility of the dangerous substance entering the food web. Methylmercury, the potent form of mercury most often found at dredging sites, has been known to impair the nervous system, especially in young children and fetuses. Due to a court order banning dredging, as well as CEQA regulations, dredging has been banned while the EIR is completed. The current EIR draft suggests further restrictions which need approval by the Department of Fish and Game.
This bill was introduced February 18. and on March 3 it was referred to the Committees on Natural Resources and Water and Environmental Quality. The Committee will meet again on April 12r to review the bill with further amendments. As such, this bill has not yet come before me for a vote. I prefer not to take a position on bills before they come to me because they can change significantly in the committee process. I will, however, carefully consider your arguments when making my decision.
You may wish to read more about the status, history and analysis of this and other bills online at www.leainfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html . While you are online, please check out my website, www.sen.ca.gov/Steinberg, to learn of community events and other issues in which I am involved.
Be assured that I will keep your views in mind if this issue comes before me for a vote. Please continue to express your views to me so I may better represent you in the state Senate.
If you need assistance or have concerns about another state matter, please do not hesitate to call my office at (916) 651-1529, or email me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
DARRELL STEINBERG
President pro Tempore 6th Senate District
DS:ss
SENATOR
DARRELL STEINBERG
PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE
SIXTH SENATE DISTRICT
April 4. 2011
Sacramento. CA
Dear Mr.
Thank you for your recent communication in support of SB 657 (Gaines) which would repeal the restrictions on the use of vacuum or suction dredge equipment established by SB 670 in 2009. This bill would also refund permit holders from 2009 who were impacted when the season was cut short, and would allow dredging to begin again while an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is completed, which would not comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
SB 657 stems from a considerable legislative history of dredging in California. At the boom of the California Goldrush, miners began dredging to separate gold from mercury. However, years after hydraulic mining was no longer performed, mercury was found in river ecosystems, which has had serious consequences for water quality, fishing, and river ecology. Some dredgers argue that they are removing mercury through this process but it is possible that smaller particles are suspended in the water and may be carried downstream, increasing the possibility of the dangerous substance entering the food web. Methylmercury, the potent form of mercury most often found at dredging sites, has been known to impair the nervous system, especially in young children and fetuses. Due to a court order banning dredging, as well as CEQA regulations, dredging has been banned while the EIR is completed. The current EIR draft suggests further restrictions which need approval by the Department of Fish and Game.
This bill was introduced February 18. and on March 3 it was referred to the Committees on Natural Resources and Water and Environmental Quality. The Committee will meet again on April 12r to review the bill with further amendments. As such, this bill has not yet come before me for a vote. I prefer not to take a position on bills before they come to me because they can change significantly in the committee process. I will, however, carefully consider your arguments when making my decision.
You may wish to read more about the status, history and analysis of this and other bills online at www.leainfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html . While you are online, please check out my website, www.sen.ca.gov/Steinberg, to learn of community events and other issues in which I am involved.
Be assured that I will keep your views in mind if this issue comes before me for a vote. Please continue to express your views to me so I may better represent you in the state Senate.
If you need assistance or have concerns about another state matter, please do not hesitate to call my office at (916) 651-1529, or email me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
DARRELL STEINBERG
President pro Tempore 6th Senate District
DS:ss
I have the CD from the NON HEARING thanx to them MF carpetbaggers---John
