James Oberstar: “The legislation, our provision, our portion of the economic revitalization, requires a maintenance of effort.”

We want to protect our waters. We want to protect our wetlands. We want to provide for future generations.

The diverse water resources challenges throughout the United States are often studied, planned, and managed in individual 'silos,' independently of other water areas and projects.

But we all also recognize that the potential cost of meeting these needs is immense.

Again, the acquisition of replacement land is available and authorized under OPA 90. What this amendment does is clarify that in that replacement you can replace that part of the ecosystem that has been irresponsibly damaged with better…