Reduce the size of dead zone Published: Wednesday, August 10,
2011 at 8:33 a.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at
8:33 a.m. Louisiana needs to take a stronger role in reducing
the dead zone. Last week’s announcement of the dead zone
measurement, though smaller than projected, should alert Gulf-
state policy makers to the expanding predicament of nitrogen and
phosphorus pollution in the Gulf. A recent legislative assault
on the long-standing 1972 Clean Water Act indicates an
unfavorable climate to the health of our waters. If we are to
expect the entirety of the Mississippi River watershed to work
toward a reduction in agriculture pollutants into our waters, we
must lead by example here in the Gulf states, especially
Louisiana. It’s time to change the current trend, which does not
prioritize the health of the Gulf of Mexico. Spearheading this
effort means establishing pollution-control requirements as well
as voluntary mechanisms. The status quo will not fix the dead
zone. Given EPA’s denial of a rec