Daniel Schaefer: “Mr. Speaker, last spring, Congressman Bart Stupak and I introduced H.R. 3391, the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust…”

“Mr. Speaker, last spring, Congressman Bart Stupak and I introduced H.R. 3391, the Leaking Underground Storage Tank Trust Fund Amendments Act of 1996. The bill's objectives are to give States more financial stability in operating their underground storage tank programs and greater flexibility to address unique environmental problems, particularly in rural America. H.R. 3391 has substantial bipartisan cosponsorship and diverse private sector support. Among the bill's supporters: The Association of State and Territorial Solid Waste Management Officials; The National School Boards Association; The Petroleum Marketers Association of America; The National Association of Convenience Stores; The Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers of America; The Service Station Dealers of America; and The National Automobile Dealers Association. Prior to introduction and as the bill moved forward, we solicited and received suggestions on how best to achieve our objectives--program flexibility and stability. EPA, Members from both parties, State regulators and industry all made meaningful contributions to H.R. 3391. As a result, the final product we have before us today meets our initial goals, with a strong emphasis on quicker cleanups and stricter enforcement.”