Elizabeth Esty

We clearly need to do better and there are things afoot that we don't understand yet.

It has really been a pleasure and an honor serving on this Committee, and in a very fractious time in the Nation's political life, it has really been gratifying to see the good work that we have been able to do together.

The American Legion is thankful and applauds the leadership of Representative Esty for creating this legislation.

Navigating the VA's often complicated bureaucracy for the detailed information necessary to apply for VA benefits should not be doubly difficult for our visually impaired veterans.

According to the Blinded Veterans Association, there are an estimated over 130,000 legally blinded veterans in the United States, and another 1.5 million with low-vision.

That is why I introduced the Improving Veterans Access to Congressional Services Act, to pave the way for our colleagues to open VA offices of their own.

The American Legion is faithful and applauds the leadership of Representative Esty for creating legislation.

Our commitment is not to have good intentions, is not to have laws in place but actually make sure they are implemented in a way that functions for the people we are honored to serve.

And frankly, you know, I have to say the folks in my district are angry and worried and late to work.

I mean, Mr. Batory, do you think it is fines? And I want a fast response.

So again, what is it going to take to get this done as rapidly as possible?

For many of us this is like Groundhog Day. I have been on this committee for almost 6 years, and we have been hearing about we are close, we are close, just give us a little more time, a little more time.

Safety is paramount.

We have got to figure out how to move much more nimbly.

We want to make sure that this committee can work on addressing those concerns without jeopardizing public health and the environment.

Agencies must continue to assess and consider both the benefits and costs of regulatory actions, including deregulatory actions.

The EPA has estimated that restricting the use of high-polluting engines in 10,000 glider vehicles over the lifetime of those vehicles would prevent the emission of up to 400,000 tons of NOx and 6,800 tons of particulate matter and prevent…

Some glider manufacturers claim that using a rebuilt engine and a glider vehicle can save on the greenhouse emissions produced in the steelmaking process, but make no mistake, these one-time emissions savings are insignificant compared…

Commonsense regulations like the phase 2 rule for greenhouse gas emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles exemplify what happens when the Federal Government works collaboratively with regulated industries.

The negative effects of air pollution on respiratory health are well-documented.

Cost of new EPA coal rules up to 1,400 more deaths a year.

I would ask that to recognize that depending on the part of the country, it would be helpful to local communities to consider a little more flexibility for community involvement and appropriate usage.

I think we can do a better job.

I would respectfully urge that more be done, that efforts be done with every Member of Congress so that we can help get them out to our communities.

I want to thank the Chairman, my fellow Subcommittee Members, to all of you here today, for helping us do right by those who have given their lives in service to their country.