SHOOTING IN RHODE ISLAND

Why... after 40 years of fighting against water pollution, would the RI DEM ignore Federal regulations and try to change part of the "Clean Water Act", a law that states you cannot shoot ammunition and other pollutants (including lead, steel, plastic, etc) into the water?

Why... would the DEM choose to disregard all the scientific research that shows exactly how harmful these pollutants are on so many levels? Does the DEM have some new evidence that proves this pollution is GOOD for the environment??

Why. would they want to allow the debris of skeet shooting to fall into our water?

Why... would anyone think they have a right to contaminate the treasured and beautiful waters of RI?

Why. would they risk endangering our states most powerful resource, knowing that our coastline and water ways are a major factor in local tourism and the state economy?

Why. would they overlook that fact that shooting into the water endangers the thousands of people who enjoy recreational use of our public water ways?

Why. would DEM want to support water pollution, when their job is to prevent it?

We don't know. We can only suspect it is the product of arrogance and pressure coming from a very small, well healed interest group that think they should be allowed to do as they please at the expense of public safety and the environment. Skeet shooting is presently NOT ILLEGAL in Rhode Island, but the dumping of waste materials into the ocean is. The proposed changes would not only allow someone to shoot over public water space, but also leave harmful pollution from debris and ammunition behind, in the process endangering our environment, local economy, and public safety.

If this regulation is changed:

Anyone or any group will have the right to apply for a permit to stand on their shore line, back yard, pier, or even a boat in the harbor and shoot their shotguns into any waters (including fresh water) in the State of Rhode Island. This change to the Clean Water Act would make Rhode Island the only State where this type of reckless pollution would be permitted. It is fitting that the only state to support water pollution would be "The OCEAN STATE". What a great selling point for. come to Rhode Island where dumping garbage into our waters is OK.

Please join the fight to end this madness!

OBJECT TO CHANGE IN THE CLEAN WATER ACT!!!!!

Call: Janet Coit Director of the Office of Water Resources...401-222-2771
Write: janet.coit@dem.ri.gov

Call Lisa McGreavy Office of Water Resources 401-222-4700 ext-7611 Write :lisa.mcgreavy@dem.ri.gov

Call: Governor Chafee 401-222-2080
Write: governor@governor.ri.gov

But the Best Way To OBJECT would be to show your support:
Room 300, The Foundry nuilding at 235 Promenade St., Providence, RI at 4:00 pm on March 12, 2012.