Questions for Rep. Kathy Castor
The increasing severity of red tide outbreaks along Florida’s coast is an issue you have tackled in Congress. How can we solve this growing problem?
I have been working with Congressman Connie Mack (Naples) on bi-partisan legislation in the House of Representatives to authorize increased funding for peer-reviewed scientific research on red tide.
Red tide holds a significant threat to the way of life for all my neighbors along the Gulf Coast. I am proud to say that we were able to authorize $90 million over a three-year period for peer-reviewed scientific research on red tide and other harmful algal blooms. It requires the Task Force, which is comprised of scientists from various federal agencies, to report the results of this research to Congress on an annual basis. I strongly believe that our great scientific institutes in Florida should be the first in line to benefit from these federal research dollars.
What has been the most challenging aspect of going from local government in Tampa Bay to the halls of Congress?
I am pleased that even with the rigorous work schedule of this New Direction Congress I have been able to bring concrete results for my neighbors in Tampa Bay. I have been able to translate my assignment on the powerful House Rules Committee into real results for my hard-working neighbors of District 11. I successfully fought to stop offshore drilling amendments that would have endangered our environment. I have also worked to bring back federal dollars to the Tampa Bay area to support issues that are most important to our community, like health care and the environment.
It's clear that energy issues are one of your top priorities. Is there a particular reform you are most focused on passing this session of Congress?
One of our accomplishments was to start working on achieving energy independence for a more secure nation. We cut subsidies to big oil, tackled global warming, and legislated against oil price gouging. We will continue working in that direction. I led the fight to get the freshman class and other members signed on a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, urging the inclusion of higher Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in energy bills crafted by the House. I led the fight on the local level, organizing two successful and highly attended energy forums with local government officials and concerned citizens, in order to work together to promote energy conservation in the Tampa Bay area.
You have been a strong opponent of offshore drilling in Florida waters. What motivates you to take on this fight?
I strongly oppose drilling for oil along Florida's beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Mexico because drilling puts our tourism economy and natural environment at risk. We must continue to stand up to the oil and gas lobby and the Bush Administration and demand a change in America's energy policy, including action at the local level and conservation. I have worked with Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (Ft. Lauderdale) in the House Rules Committee to ensure that offshore drilling amendments were not allowed. I led the fight with other members of the Florida Delegation to defeat attempts by Republican members to amend bills on the House floor to allow offshore drilling. I will continue to fight attempts to allow drilling off our coasts because we must be strong in protecting Florida's environment and economy.
What would you say is the role of groups like Environment Florida in protecting Florida's environment?
I am pleased that Environment Florida and other environmental groups have been and continue to be strong stewards of our environment. They are my allies in Congress. Together we are in a position to fight against serious threats to our coastal tourism industry, productive fisheries and our world famous beaches. That will translate in a better environmental legacy for generations to come.
