Political Quotes

“I haven't talked about the popularity of the Clean Water Act, but every poll has shown that the overwhelming majority of Americans support what EPA is doing in protecting our water supply. They are for this rule. They are for a commonsense, science- based way to protect their drinking water. They are for a scientifically based, commonsense way to make sure that their rivers are clean. Whether it is because of their concern for the environment and their children and grandchildren's health or whether it is their concern about our economy, recognizing that clean water is necessary for agriculture and for our activities--recreational activities along our waterways which are critical to our economy--for all of those reasons they support the Clean Water Act. I urge my colleagues to look at the rule. It doesn't regulate new activities in agriculture. It doesn't require anything different than has been historically the role of the Clean Water Act in protecting our waters. It deals with waters that are affecting our water supply. It doesn't deal with isolated ponds. It doesn't deal with ditches. They are not regulated under this law any differently than they were in the past. I urge my colleagues to look at what is in this regulation, not the claims that have been made. The EPA listened to the different interest groups. There were over 400 meetings with stakeholders across the country to provide information, hear concerns, and answer their questions.…”