Barbara Boxer

We have some contentious hearings, I do not think this one will be such.

How about the WIFIA program? The Chairman and I worked together to get that done.

This severe drought has forced our Governor to declare a drought state of emergency.

People want us fighting to clean up the air and cleanup the water.

I think it is the role of EPA to get ahead of these kinds of crises; not to whisper in the ears of the State, but to yell in the ears of the State when we know facts.

The drinking water crisis in Flint highlights the need to address the Nation's failing water infrastructure.

My State just experienced a massive natural gas leak at Aliso Canyon that released 96,000 metric tons of methane into the atmosphere.

The problem is not enough money in the budget. That is what I think.

If you can't breathe, you can't work.

That is murder by any other definition. That is a felony, because we know what lead does; it is not a great mystery.

It is important that EPA continue to focus on combatting dangerous climate change, which is happening all around us.

When you cleanup the environment, you boost the economy for so many reasons.

I would hope to see EPA fighting for a budget that meets the needs of the people.

We are holding this field hearing to do oversight into this catastrophe that the EPA has caused.

We need to get out in front, not whisper in the ears of people, because the people don't want to hear the bad news.

Just count me as one person who thinks this is essential, because what a nightmare we have had.

Vast majority support your work and, sadly, vast majority think that we are not doing our jobs or not doing it well.

EPA's work implementing our Nation's landmark laws to address clean air, children's health, safe drinking water, toxics, and water quality in America's lakes and rivers is essential for public health and safety.

I know people are saying: Barbara, why are you being so tough and not letting us vote on other things? I have to say this: If we don't use this occasion to fix a problem that is listed as the No. 1 safety issue by the NTSB, and we can do…

Let's get back, Mr. Chairman, to the days when we had cooperation on this.

So you don't agree with him. OK, fine.

Is it true that you received $315,000 from ExxonMobil since 1998?

No one--and I don't think anyone has had this situation where a constituent comes up and says, Barbara, the air is too clean, please make it dirtier.

Well, 97 percent of respected scientists, respected scientists tell us there are dangers to climate change and that our activities are causing it, most of it.

I will never forget this hearing.