Jim Costa: “I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I want to also thank the ranking member and the chair of the committee for…”

“I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I want to also thank the ranking member and the chair of the committee for allowing us to work with the committee for what is an important amendment. The Denham-Costa amendment would make permanent the existing authority for utility companies to contribute to funds to expedite permit reviews for the Army Corps of Engineers. {time} 1545 Expedited permit review reduces project costs and enhances public safety by ensuring that projects are completed faster. It just makes good sense. Projects could benefit from this permanent authority include work to stabilize aging transmission line towers in the San Francisco Bay, replacing natural gas transmission lines over and under waterways, and restoring water delivery systems associated with hydroelectric facilities. A lot of good has come from this amendment. It has broad support from the utility industry and labor unions. I thank the author of this amendment for his good cooperation, and I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.”