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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Brubaker legislation heads to Governor's desk Legislation I introduced to help municipalities meet their phosphate reduction goals under the federal Clean Water Act was recently approved by the General Assembly, and now goes to the Governor's desk to be signed into law. High levels of phosphorus in our waterways cause excessive algae growth, which in turn cuts off the oxygen that fish need to survive. As part of the Act, communities must reduce phosphorus discharges from their wastewater plants, likely leading to large capital expenditures to install nutrient removal technology. My legislation will virtually eliminate the amount of phosphorus permitted in automatic household dishwashing detergents by July 1, 2010, a goal to which the detergent industry is firmly committed nationwide. While the phosphorus in these detergents comprises just seven to twelve percent of the total amount entering a sewage treatment facility, its elimination in detergents is a small but significant step in helping communities reach their reduction goals. Similar phosphorus phase-outs have already occurred in laundry detergents and liquid hand dish detergents. I am actively involved in monitoring the implementation of Pennsylvania's Chesapeake Bay Strategy, because our actions impact local waterways and the Bay watershed beyond. Every little thing we can do makes a difference, and I am very pleased that Senate Bill 1017 won the overwhelming approval of the General Assembly. Senate approves MRSA Awareness Week resolution The state Senate has adopted Senate Resolution 295, designating the week of May 18 as MRSA Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. MRSA, a type of staph infection resistant to antibiotic treatment, has been in the news many times in the past year. I introduced the resolution again this year to highlight Pennsylvania's progress on this issue as well as the steps we can continue to take. While 85 percent of all invasive MRSA infections are associated with health care, many cases have been occurring in our schools. In both instances – health-care associated and community-acquired – the good news is that the spread of MRSA is absolutely preventable with appropriate hygienic practices like hand washing and implementation of screening practices. We took a very important step to address this issue last year when we approved and enacted Senate Bill 968, which requires a comprehensive approach to the problem of hospital-acquired infections that has the potential to avoid health complications, save lives and control health care costs. However, it is very important for us to remain aware of these infections in general and MRSA infections in particular, and I hope that everyone will remain aware of MRSA and promote practices that will reduce its occurrences. Lancaster County designated as Preserve America Community Lancaster County has become one of the nation's newest Preserve America Communities for its commitment to preserving cultural and natural heritage resources. This federal initiative recognizes communities that use their historic assets for economic development and revitalization, and encourages people to experience and appreciate local historic resources through education and other programs. Benefits include eligibility for Preserve America grants, the right to use the Preserve America logo, and listing in National Register Travel Itineraries and in "Teaching With Historic Places" curricular materials. The Lancaster County certification seal will also soon appear on resources that meet the stringent local Heritage Tourism program criteria. I wholeheartedly support Lancaster County's focus on culture and heritage as a key part of its identity and development, and look forward to seeing our region highlighted throughout the country. | ||
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