Hoekstra Calls on State to take Lead on Talmadge Creek Oil Leak

Statement

U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, issued the following statement after receiving an update on the Talmadge Creek oil leak.

"The state of Michigan needs to take the lead in coordinating the response because this is occurring in our state. We have seen the results of the federal government's response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, and it is not good. This is a situation that requires urgency and state leadership.

"The Environmental Protection Agency is coordinating with Enbridge Energy Company, state and local officials to contain and clean up the oil leak that occurred on Sunday, but the consequences of the leak will fall hardest on Michigan, and Michigan should be in charge. I hope that the state is able to coordinate the government and the company response so that they can clean up the damage to the environment and wildlife as quickly as possible.

"They also need to ensure that impacted residents are properly compensated and that the spill does not make it any further down the Kalamazoo River toward Saugatuck and Lake Michigan. I intend to stay in contact with all agencies involved to ensure that the response is timely and thorough."

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