Lawmakers should have addressed clean water

According to a recent study in the journal Environmental Research, Iowans may face higher risks of certain health issues due to nitrate pollution in drinking water. Arizona, Iowa, California and Delaware have the highest frequency of estimated cancer cases, with greater than 10 cases per 100,000 people. But cancer is not the only health risk from nitrates in drinking water. It also has been associated with low birth weight, premature birth and neural tube defects. As a nurse, this really matters.

Iowa's legislative session just concluded. Republicans control the House, the Senate and the governor's seat. They could easily pass legislation. Where were the bills to clean up our state's waterways and improve our air quality?

GOP state Rep. Ashley Hinson, a member of the House for the past three years, had an opportunity to help Iowans by supporting meaningful legislation to improve our water quality. She did not - and now, wants to represent Iowans in Congress. We can't afford more of Hinson's inaction and disregard for Iowa's waterways at the state or federal level.

Mary Burke

Lisbon