Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. McNerney). Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. Mr. Chair, I stand up to oppose H.R. 2883. Basically, what this bill does is preapproves border-crossing energy products by making it extremely difficult to put a stop to them on any grounds. As a general matter, specifically for oil pipelines, within the United States, oil pipelines don't need Federal approval. No Federal reviews or permits on these projects are required. If the pipeline harms endangered species, the ESA will apply. If the construction destroys wetlands, a project permit may be needed from the Corps of Engineers. But generally, neither of these requirements trigger a broader evaluation of the project. Currently, the only reason to prepare an environmental assessment or impact for cross-border pipelines or transmission lines is because the existing Presidential permit requirement triggers NEPA. Under this bill, there would be no projectwide Federal environmental assessment for all these projects. State laws don't substitute for NEPA. Many States don't have approval authority over pipelines within their States. The CHAIR. The time of the gentleman has expired.”