Gus Bilirakis: “Over 5 months ago, I chaired the Health and Environment Subcommittee hearing concerning priorities for the…”

“Over 5 months ago, I chaired the Health and Environment Subcommittee hearing concerning priorities for the reauthorization of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The subcommittee heard testimony from public officials, private water systems, and the environmental community. And, while opinions varied, no one disputed the essential task before us--the need to overhaul a well-intentioned, 10-year-old statute which has served us well, but which has not aged gracefully. Many have cited the need for flexibility in the administration of the law. EPA has also estimated that the capital expenditures needed to comply with current requirements total $8.6 billion. So the question has not been whether to act, but how to best correct identified problems. At first, I must admit the job looked easy, especially given the action of the other body to vote unanimously in favor of reforms. The careful review of the Commerce Committee, however, has helped to shape legislative provisions which are improved and which I believe will stand the test of time. We have improved the standard setting language which lies at the heart of the act, making it more workable and efficient. In addition, the bill strengthens certain provisions regarding capacity development and operator training. The bill will directly improve the human factor in the safe drinking water act.”