Political Quotes

“I rise today to urge my colleagues to oppose S.J. Res. 37, a resolution of disapproval of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards, offered by Senator Inhofe. The Senator from Oklahoma is a powerful advocate for his point of view, but I respectfully disagree that we do not need to control the emission of mercury and other toxics into our air. This vote is one in a continuous drumbeat of attacks on environmental rules we have seen of late. It is unfortunate that some of my colleagues are attacking clean air and water rules with such fervor, especially in the name of economic recovery. When it comes to putting America back on firm economic footing, we should be working towards a comprehensive budget solution that shows the American people and the world that Congress can still function in the face of major challenges rather than with attacks on the Environmental Protection Agency. Yet so often we hear vague, catch-all criticisms that upcoming EPA rules--real or imagined--will create uncertainty in the regulated community, impeding economic recovery. The irony is that attacks that seek to delay or remand EPA rules only exacerbate and prolong regulatory uncertainty. Also, recall that Congress directed EPA in the Clean Air Act more than 20 years ago to develop many of the rules the agency is currently working on. That is the case with the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. Many other rules are coming about as a result of court orders.…”