John Sarbanes: “Of course, when we go into the international environmental conferences, they say, ``You are the biggest offender,''…”

“Of course, when we go into the international environmental conferences, they say, ``You are the biggest offender,'' because we are the most highly developed country and, therefore, we are put on the defensive in trying to get an agreement on the environmental standards. We are the most highly developed country, which is why in the trade negotiations they are so anxious to come into the American market, but we leave out of the trade negotiations the environmental issues. It just doesn't make sense. It is diminishing our ability, it seems to me, to negotiate comprehensive, fair trading arrangements that do not place our own producers at a significant disadvantage and do not create a downward pressure and downward movement with respect to protecting and enhancing the environment.”