Senators Birkholz, Patterson, Barcia, Kuipers, Sanborn and Bernero offered the following concurrent resolution:

Senate Resolution Concurrent No. 25.

            A concurrent resolution calling for increased public awareness of the Department of Environmental Quality's toll-free number for reporting pollution emergencies.

            Whereas, Public vigilance and civic involvement are cornerstones of effective communities.  The willingness of individual citizens to work with those who provide public services can be the key to the effectiveness of many endeavors, including several aspects of law enforcement; and

            Whereas, The Department of Environmental Quality operates a hot line under its "Pollution Emergency Alert System."  This number offers concerned citizens a quick way to provide information that could be lifesaving or which could save the environment from serious damage.  This number can be used by a person to report to authorities any environmental emergency, whether accidental or intentional; and

            Whereas, Over the years, there have certainly been many situations, including spills of toxic substances, that could have been contained far more effectively if the proper party had been informed immediately.  The potential significance of this emergency contact system only increases at a time when government resources are strained by difficult financial pressures; and

            Whereas, Increasing the visibility of the Pollution Emergency Alert System number would be a wise move.  Many of the steps to raise awareness, including web site displays, can be made at negligible cost; and

            Whereas, Encouraging the public's help in the effort to uncover and prevent pollution can only help our state; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That we urge the Department of Environmental Quality to increase public awareness of its toll-free number for reporting pollution emergencies.  We also urge the Departments of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and the Attorney General to include this number prominently on their web sites; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Departments of Environmental Quality, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Attorney General.