I am generally a fan of Democracy. That is why I’m not pleased with Senator Schumer’s attempts to clear the field for incumbent Kirsten Gillibrand in next year’s NY Senate primary. With that caveat out of the way, I like what I’m seeing here from New York’s junior Senator:

In response to reports of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals, including estrogen and codeine, found in New York waterways and around the country, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York announced legislative action to study the presence of these drugs in drinking water and their long-term health effects.Gillibrand will work to move her provision this week when the Senate considers comprehensive legislation to improve water infrastructure across the country, her office announced Tuesday.

“As a lawmaker and mother of two young children, I expect that America’s drinking water is clean and free of these kinds of pharmaceuticals,” the senator said. “As we upgrade our failing water infrastructure, it is important that we also address the safety of our drinking water.”

“Right now the federal government does not have adequate data on the long term health effects of these trace chemicals.,” she said. “Parents count on the government to ensure clean, safe drinking water for all our families.”

This almost certainly has to do with the ongoing study Associated Press has been conducting for the past several months.