I am deeply disappointed that the President has again refused to seek reauthorization of the polluter pays fees to fully fund the program.

I have great respect for your abilities and believe that working together we can make some great strides.

The Administration's budget proposes to cut clean water infrastructure spending nearly in half of fiscal year 2004 enacted levels.

Manmade emissions are contributing to global warming and climate change.

Rather than work with Congress to move us forward on environmental issues, the Bush Administration is working with the special interests to undermine them.

We just talked about mercury, but how many people are dying prematurely every year from power plant pollution now?

As you know, I have introduced the Clean Power Act, which requires power plants to reduce mercury by 90 percent over the next 6 years.

In effect, no reduction of mercury would be called for under Clear Skies. In light of this study, surely the Administration realizes that such a proposal would be irresponsible.

I am very concerned about the Administration's request for the Long Island Sound--which once again has been reduced to less than half a million dollars in the Administration's fiscal year 2004 budget.

Considering the record of the power plants, why should anyone in Congress or the public believe that voluntary measures are going to be adequate to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions at a time to avert global warming?

Will you commit to work with my colleagues and me to find ways to direct much needed Federal resources to the Long Island Sound in fiscal year 2004?

But wouldn't current law do better than that?