Assessing The Environmental Risks of the Water Bottling Industry’s Extraction of Groundwater

Domestic Policy Subcommittee Hearing Today

Washington, Dec 12 -

This hearing will examine the environmental issues presented when water bottling plants extract groundwater and spring water from water sources in rural communities.

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

2 p.m.

2154 Rayburn

Washington, D.C. 20515

The hearing will be webcast LIVE!

To view the hearing Click Here

Specifically, the hearing will address:
o    The broader policy context of the water bottling industry;
o    The impact on communities of water bottling plants;
o    The geological/hydrological dynamics and environmental effects of extraction on the surrounding watershed, wetlands and riparian systems;
o    The growth, practices, and policies of the water bottling industry; and
o    The adequacy of state property rights, state permitting systems, and federal regulations in addressing these issues.

Witnesses for the December 12 hearing include:

Panel I
•    Mr. Bill McCann, Save Our Groundwater
•    Ms. Terry Swier, Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation
•    Mr. Richard McFarland, McCloud Watershed Council
•    Ms. Heidi Paul, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Nestle Waters North American, Inc.

Panel II
•    Ms. Wenonah Hauter, Executive Director, Food & Water Watch
•    Professor David W. Hyndman, Department of Geological Sciences, Michigan State University
•    Professor Noah D. Hall, Wayne State University Law School
•    Mr. Joseph K. Doss, President and CEO, International Bottled Water Association
•    Mr. James Wilfong, Executive Director, H2O for ME