Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Environment

Bill Would Require Ocean Ph Monitoring

June 23, 2008 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 86, Issue 25

[+]Enlarge
Credit: Shutterstock
Bill mandates study on impact of ocean acidification on corals and other organisms.
Credit: Shutterstock
Bill mandates study on impact of ocean acidification on corals and other organisms.

The U.S. government would monitor acidity of the world's oceans under a bill adopted by a House subcommittee last week. As CO2 emissions from human activities rise, the oceans are absorbing more of the gas from the atmosphere, causing the pH of the water to decline. "Ocean acidification poses a threat to many marine organisms and ocean ecosystems. It reduces the ability of shellfish and corals to form their shells and skeletons," explains Rep. Nick Lampson (D-Texas), chairman of the House Science & Technology Subcommittee on Energy & Environment. On June 18, Lampson's panel unanimously approved a bill, H.R. 4174, to establish an interagency program to monitor acidification of oceans. The legislation directs federal scientists to study the chemical, biological, and physical impacts of acidification on marine organisms and ecosystems. The Science & Technology Committee expects to vote this summer on the measure, which has bipartisan support. The Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee approved a similar measure (S. 1581) in May.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.