Daniel Hamburg: “I rise in strong support of the rule of H.R. 3425. It is a fair rule which allows germane amendments. This rule…”

“I rise in strong support of the rule of H.R. 3425. It is a fair rule which allows germane amendments. This rule disallows nongermane amendments which would have required risk assessment analysis of all EPA regulations or addressed compensations for so-called takings of private property resulting from EPA actions. These are issues worthy of debate, however this bill is not the proper forum for that debate. H.R. 3425 focuses only on the elevation, reorganization and management of EPA. Modifications to the bill triggering major revisions in environmental policy could also affect vital statutes which fall within the jurisdiction of other committees. Potential changes of this magnitude warrant careful consideration in those committees. It is time to demonstrate our commitment to environmental protection both locally and globally. Passage of H.R. 3425 will finally give environmental protection the stature it deserves. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on the rule so we can pass H.R. 3425 and end 5 years of debate on this issue.”