Bob Filner: “I would tell the Rhodes scholar from Oklahoma that he needs some additional training in research. Staff that was here…”

“I would tell the Rhodes scholar from Oklahoma that he needs some additional training in research. Staff that was here when the bill was written know the intent of Congress, and it is not as the gentleman described. Let me respond to several of the arguments from the other side. If the provisions stays in the energy bill, it is a rollback of existing requirements for construction over five acres. That is what exists now, and this rolls it back, no matter what they say that this intended 10 years ago or whatever. Our original intent in 1987 was to exempt storm water that was totally unpolluted. Storm water that was totally unpolluted was exempted. Storm water from construction is polluted, as we have heard from the gentleman from Oregon, and the gentleman from Texas knows that when there is no possibility of runoff into the waters of the United States one does not need a permit. Where all the storm water is kept on site, go do it; they do not need the permit. So we are I think hearing justifications. We are hearing rationalizations of the destruction of our environment. Mr. Speaker, other industries do not have this exemption from the Clean Water Act.”