On the recordJuly 7, 2015
I thank Ms. McCollum for her work on this bill and to Bobby Scott and Don Beyer for joining me in this effort. I rise in opposition to this amendment. Just yesterday, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals upheld EPA authority to set Chesapeake Bay pollution limits, which have led to the best cleanup progress in over 25 years. For the Bay, as with so many other waters across the country, the Clean Water Act backstop is critical to ensure that states are meeting their commitments. In Maryland, we have cities working to manage stormwater and farmers implementing best management practices to stop runoff. But for all our efforts, we will never have a clean and healthy Bay if pollution runs downstream from Pennsylvania, New York, or West Virginia. With our enormous watershed, encompassing 64,000 square miles, six States, and D.C., everyone must do their fair share. And to do that is through the Clean Water Act's Federal backstop. I strongly oppose this amendment and urge my colleagues to do the same. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
