I think the HUBZones are critically important for underserved and vulnerable communities.

There is a common theme that small businesses in Maryland and around the nation are in trouble and they are in desperate need of an SBA that is going to be their advocate.

I want to join our Chairman, Chairman Boxer, and thank you for holding this hearing.

I think both of us understand the importance of the jurisdiction of our Subcommittee in protecting the waters of our Nation for the environment and for safe drinking and supply, and I look forward to working with you.

Today's hearing will focus on the role the Environmental Protection Agency must play in making our Nation more efficient in the way we use our water.

First, let me say that today's hearing will focus on the role the Environmental Protection Agency must play in making our Nation more efficient in the way we use our water.

I want to acknowledge the support of Senator Boxer for allowing the Subcommittee to move forward with this first hearing on water efficiency.

I strongly support the WaterSense program and applaud you for the initiative, and personally believe it would have more legitimacy if it were authorized.

Your testimony points out the importance of green infrastructure. I would like to explore that a little bit more as to how EPA can be more helpful in promoting green infrastructure.

I think same thing is true with water efficiency, that we are losing an economic opportunity here that we need to figure a strategy to deal with.

Well, I appreciate that. I think that can be very helpful to us.

Well, I agree.

Unlike the Energy Star program, the WaterSense program does not have formal authorization.

I think having the information base, and President Obama talked frequently about having decisions made by best science and best information, it would be useful to be able to know the cost benefit ratios on dealing with water efficiency…

Thank you for that.

One of the strategies we have tried to use on energy efficiency and renewables is that it is good economic sense for Americans.

I think it would be beneficial in a couple of ways.

Well, I visited a green building in Howard County not too long ago, Howard County, Maryland, which is I think a model for a company that is innovative in green technology.