Political Quotes

“once again we are debating another amendment which clearly is going to stop the purpose of the bill from moving forward. H.R. 1270 establishes a presumptive radiation protection standard of 100 millirems or 1/3 background levels. This standard was not chosen arbitrarily, as those who support the amendment seem to suggest. Instead it reflects the judgment of the International Council for Radiation Protection and is the standard that has been adopted by the NRC in its regulations for general public protection. H.R. 1270 further allows NRC to amend the radiation standard if they deem it necessary for the protection of public health and safety. And it is the NRC, not the EPA, that is the agency with expertise on radiation. NRC has concluded that the standard in H.R. 1270, and I quote, will fully protect public health and safety and the environment. And H.R. 1270 requires the NRC to consult with the EPA. But another point needs to be made. That is, this bill does not set a standard out of just the desire for Congress to move ahead on this. It sets it out of frustration with inaction by the EPA.”