Event

The extent of hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast roughly equals the size of the state of Connecticut. Although well documented since the late ?80s, little progress has been made in reducing that extent of oxygen deficient water in the Gulf. The dysfunctional tale includes lack of environmental responsibility, courtroom maneuvering, regulatory inaction and a large multi-governmental body all dealing with the limitations of the Clean Water Act in addressing this problem. Joe Piotrowski worked on nutrient issues as a policy advisor in the EPA?s Office of Water before he retired last year. Most recently, Mr. Piotrowski was chair of the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Coordinating Committee, which consisting of multiple state and federal agencies, formed to deal with this issue.