Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), the author of the legislation, Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I want to acknowledge Chairman Westerman for his leadership on the Committee on Natural Resources. I am honored to be here today. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in strong support of my bill, H.R. 6233, the Community Reclamation Partnerships Act. This legislation, which previously passed the House in the 115th Congress, will help address the complex legal and funding-related challenges for abandoned mines that we have across Illinois and the Nation. The Community Reclamation Partnerships Act amends the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to enable States to partner with nongovernmental entities to reclaim abandoned mine sites and facilitate acid mine drainage cleanup across the country. Nongovernmental entities, such as Trout Unlimited, have recognized the need for reclamation in coal communities and are willing to contribute their resources and expertise to address this problem. Unfortunately, liability and regulatory concerns have discouraged them from partnering with the States on reclamation projects. This legislation enables NGO participation in State reclamation programs by minimizing undeserved liability and codifying proven practices established by State reclamation agencies. This legislation also addresses a frequent problem that States experience in addressing water pollution at abandoned mine land sites.…”