Andrea Joy Campbell: “My intent with respect to all three of the issues that the Senator has mentioned is consistent with my intent regarding…”

“My intent with respect to all three of the issues that the Senator has mentioned is consistent with my intent regarding the meaning of section 4 of the substitute amendment and the agreement itself--that is, neither the substitute amendment nor the agreement should be interpreted to somehow restrict the rights of any State, person or organization to pursue remedies otherwise available under Federal environmental laws such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act. I would point out that neither the substitute amendment nor the agreement should be read to create, enlarge or limit any obligation of Federal agencies to consult under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act. Also, the intent behind the substitute amendment is that Federal agencies implement the terms of the agreement and any applicable Federal laws with due consideration of both the interests of the parties and those of other affected States so that no interests are prejudiced. Finally, neither the substitute amendment nor the agreement should be interpreted to create or alter any obligations of the parties under the Clean Water Act with respect to the protection of federally approved State water quality standards of downstream States. However, with that I do not mean to imply or suggest that any such obligations exist or do not exist.”