On the recordMarch 25, 2014
I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for yielding me this time. I strongly agree with my friend that States must be given the right to implement a stream buffer rule that works for them, given the fact that local conditions will vary from State to State. What we are saying is that States should have the ability to protect their natural resources at a level beyond the requirements of the Federal Government when they see the need. What we are saying is that the Federal Government sets a floor, and the States have a right to protect their citizens from public health crisis and illness by setting their own requirements. H.R. 2824 keeps the States from tailoring stream safeguards and requires the States to waste taxpayer dollars by adopting a rule that has been vacated by a Federal court. Mr. Chairman, for these reasons I urge support of the Cartwright amendment.
