Asian Carp Meetings - The Highs and Lows

Trotta: Lee's catch ~Enlarge

Two intense weeks of hearings and public comment sessions on Asian Carp concluded last week.

First it was the U.S. House of Representatives hearings where Congressman Oberstar (D-MN) listened to experts from various agencies and environmental groups talk about the issues and the federal plan to deal with the invading carp.

Then came two public comment sessions, one in Chicago and the other in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where citizens had a chance to ask questions and speak their mind.

I attended the Chicago session and watched the D.C. hearings and the Ypsilanti meeting via the web.

Democracy is imperfect and messy at times but the public sessions were still valuable and while I could quibble with the process - one minute is not enough time to make a comment about a complex topic, you can barely introduce yourself - I think they served their purpose.

After watching six hours of presentations, testimony, and comment - herewith some highs and lows.

Highs

- 84 year-old Representative John Dingell (D-MI) presenting his comments in person at the Ypsilanti meeting.

With 50+ years of service in the U.S. House and diminished mobility, no one would have thought less of him if he had sent a staffer to read his comments. But Dingell made the trip and presented the Michigan case in person, with enthusiasm.

Similar kudos go to Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) who also thought the issue warranted a personal visit.

-The testimony of Michigan DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries at the congressional hearings.

Humphries made Michigan's case based on fact with an absolutely objective presentation. She didn't blame of villify anyone but simply laid out what needs to be done and why. She also held her ground under pressure to place collaboration ahead of action and results. Her professionalism was exemplary.  

-The testimony of Notre Dame Professor Dr. David Lodge, the lead scientist who presented the eDNA evidence.

Lodge was direct in his testimony and didn't fear-monger. He also presented in a way non-experts could hear and comprehend, and he provided the best line of the hearings - "while we are talking the carp are swimming." Translation, it's time to stop talking and start acting.

-The comments at the Chicago meeting made by the Chicago barge and marine community.

They made passionate pleas for consideration of the impact that closing the locks might have on their lives. One can question the details of their comments but it would be hard to disagree with the way they organized and invested time and effort to make their case.

 Lows

-The comments at the Ypsilanti meeting made by the same Chicago barge and marine community.

They put forth a more contentious version of their Chicago presentation and were at times unnecessarily confrontive, especially related to challenging the eDNA science. The edgy attitude and attempts to stump the panel with "gotcha" questions probably damaged any goodwill they established in Chicago.

-The statements by Representatives Judy Biggert (R-IL) and Debbie Halvorson (D-IL) that were read into the record.

They were purely political and contained baseless hyperbole related to "economic devastation" that would occur in Illinois and the midwest if the locks were closed. They contributed little if anything towards constructive solutions.

A Few Other Thoughts

Separate from the content of the plan, the panelists representing the Asian Carp Coordinating Committee -USEPA, Army Corps, Fish & Wildlife, et al - conducted themselves professionally while taking hits over the course of six hours of public commentary.

It's tough to be the target of multiple speakers who are criticizing your work. Only once did I see a panelist take a shot back at a questioner. And even that was done subtly as the questioner was giving a speech under the guise of asking a question. He deserved the push back.

So thanks to - Cameron Davis of the USEPA, Charlie Wooley from the Fish and Wildlife Service, General Peabody of the Army Corps, Notre Dame Professor David Lodge, and to all of their associates for taking the carp plan to the public.

gw