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ST. PAUL, Minn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) welcomes the introduction of bipartisan legislation in the Senate to establish permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with Russia and repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment to the Trade Act of 1974.

Russia joins the World Trade Organization (WTO) this summer, and this legislation is vital for U.S. companies to realize the full potential of Russia's WTO commitments. This legislation is necessary to ensure that U.S. companies are on a level playing field when competing with other global companies in this important market.

We support the passage of this legislation, and applaud Senators Baucus, Kerry, Thune and McCain for their leadership on this important issue.

About Ecolab
With 2011 pro forma sales of $11 billion and more than 40,000 employees, Ecolab Inc. (NYSE: ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene and energy technologies and services that provide and protect clean water, safe food, abundant energy and healthy environments. Ecolab delivers comprehensive programs and services tothe food, energy, healthcare, industrial and hospitality markets in more than 160 countries. For more Ecolab news and information, visit [ www.ecolab.com ].

(ECL-C)