Over the past two weeks of Congressional recess, my office has been hard at work serving our Southwest Florida community. Between meeting with constituents at town halls, conducting site visits, and meeting extensively with state and federal agencies to ensure our collective safety, we have been relentless in our pursuit of efficient and practical solutions for our community.
Recently, our community learned of the EPA's reported concerns about the Ethylene Oxide (EtO) discharges at the LeeSar/American Contract Systems (ACS) plant in Fort Myers. My team and I worked diligently with the EPA, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and other stakeholders to gather the most accurate and up-to-date information in assessing the detriment to the public. Following these productive conversations, the consensus is that there is no public hazard for citizens in the discharge zone. Additionally, the ACS plant has now completed the implementation of a voluntary discharge control system to capture carcinogens, ultimately lowering EtO emissions by over 99.9 percent (5 pounds per day to less than 0.05 pounds per day.) Upon gathering this information, my team and I conducted a town hall for parents of students who attend schools within the affected area. I wanted to ensure their concerns are heard and that further action can occur with their input included. Thank you to everyone who joined us.
I also held a town hall in Fort Myers alongside State Senator Jonathan Martin. Thank you to all who were able to join us in person and on our live stream. Members of the public were invited to ask us questions and voice their concerns on any topic. Together we discussed Biden administration accountability, updates on legislation that will implement hurricane tax relief, nuclear energy policy, school choice, how Republican policy supports hardworking American families and much more. Transparency in government is critical and I’m grateful for each opportunity in which I’m able hear directly from the members of our Southwest Florida community.
As we all know, Hurricane Ian relief efforts are unfortunately still an ongoing process throughout Southwest Florida. My team and I were invited by Mayor Dan Allers of Fort Myers Beach to tour the island's ongoing efforts. The storm damage still prevalent throughout the island and in its famous Times Square intersection is stark. We must push our federal agencies to be more efficient in their relief efforts on the island and throughout our region. Although there is still much to be done, Fort Myers Beach has made significant progress over these past few months. I am proud to stand with Fort Myers Beach and our entire community through this process as your advocate on Capitol Hill.
Over the past two weeks we also watched as harmful algal blooms exploded throughout the waterways of Cape Coral. My office is actively monitoring this situation. On the legislative front, in the 118th Congress, I have championed this issue and have introduced a three-bill Water Quality Legislative Package for this expressed purpose. My legislative package includes (1.) H.R. 325 - Harmful Algal Bloom Essential Forecasting Act, (2.) H.R. 873 - Water Quality & Environmental Innovation Act, and (3.) H.R. 1008 - Combat Harmful Algal Blooms Act. We must fight back against these destructive outbreaks.
As your Congressman, you have my commitment to work on your behalf and restore order and proper governance to The People's House.
