Political Quotes

“I want to commend the detergent industry for substantially converting to nonphosphate detergents. This action will result in water quality benefits, especially for sensitive aquatic systems such as lakes, and cost savings to sewage treatment works. In recognition of the substantial progress made in reducing phosphates in detergents, I have decided not to include the phosphate detergent ban provisions in my clean lakes amendment to the Clean Water Act. I will, however, include in the amendment a requirement for the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to report to Congress within several years on the status of phosphate use in detergent products, including dishwashing detergents and commercial and industrial detergents. Dishwashing and other detergents now include significant amounts of phosphates--estimated at about 180,000 short tons. Substitutes for phosphates in dishwashing and other detergents have not yet been perfected, but it is appropriate for the Administrator to advise the Congress and the States on progress in development of phosphate substitutes in these cases and recommend appropriate actions to protect water quality.”