Political Quotes

“I rise this evening to discuss the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, which is oftentimes referred to as the ``Magna Carta'' of environmental laws. When I think about our Nation's most illustrious documents, I am reminded of the true expression of America and its aspirations. I am reminded of our Declaration of Independence and its embrace of ``Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.'' I am also reminded of our Constitution. Delaware is known as the First State because we were the first State to ratify the Constitution, December 7, 1787--one week before anybody else. Our Constitution is the most replicated and enduring Constitution in the history of the world. It is not entirely unlike our more recent expressions of America's values and guiding principles, like the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, or NEPA. NEPA has served as one of our bedrock environmental laws for a half century now. According to its six pages of statute, NEPA's purpose includes ``efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere and stimulate the health and welfare of man.'' NEPA enshrines democracy by giving the American people a voice to help decide the fate of Federal decisions. For 50 years, NEPA has sought to ensure environmental protection, public health, and the notion that the American people have a say in Federal decision making. Like our Constitution, NEPA is one of our Nation's most replicated laws.…”