Susan Collins: “Mr. Chairman, in 1999, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled the EPA had unconstitutionally usurped Congress' legislative…”

“Mr. Chairman, in 1999, the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled the EPA had unconstitutionally usurped Congress' legislative authority in establishing strict new Federal air quality standards. Reasonable persons expected the agency to delay further implementation of these standards until the Supreme Court rules on the agency's appeal early next year. However, the EPA has decided to go forward with the process of designating hundreds of new areas in nonattainment status despite the legal uncertainty. This amendment is simple. It does not affect existing air quality standards, nor does it render judgment on new standards. It only requires the EPA to postpone further action until the Supreme Court issues its final ruling. The only common sense reasonable approach is to delay this process until the Supreme Court renders its decision in early 2001.”