Ernst is not working to protect Iowans

On June 14, Iowa Public Radio published a link to a study connecting certain types of cancer in Iowa to high levels of nitrates in drinking water.

But cancer is not the only health risk from nitrate in drinking water. It has also been associated with low birth weight, premature birth and neural tube defects. The Environmental Working Group calculated that current nitrate contamination of U.S. drinking water may be responsible each year for 2,939 babies born at very low weight and 1,725 babies born very preterm. Nitrate may be responsible for 41 annual cases of neural tube defects.

Where is pro-life Sen. Joni Ernst on this issue? Ernst has been a vocal opponent to the Environmental Protection Agency and Clean Water Act, both of which provide protections for Iowans. 'Let's shut down the EPA,” she said in 2014.

In 1972, the Clean Water Act passed with bipartisan support, and is widely regarded as one of the most successful environmental laws ever passed. It doubled the number of rivers, streams and lakes suitable for fishing and swimming.

Instead of protecting Iowa's most vulnerable and working to clean up our waterways, Ernst is working to protect polluters.

Sheri Albrecht

Walford