James Oberstar: “Mr. Speaker, I have reviewed a number of documents in the form of letters or memos issued just on the eve of the…”

“Mr. Speaker, I have reviewed a number of documents in the form of letters or memos issued just on the eve of the consideration of this legislation, and I want to make four points to reassure those who have expressed concerns about the effects of this bill on environmental procedures. One, the bill specifically provides there is no preemption or interference with any practice of seeking public comment or the authority of States or the authority of airport operators to decide on which projects they wish to undertake. Two, the bill does not give any new authority to the FAA to create exemptions from the environmental requirements. Three, States have a choice of whether they want to participate in a coordinated process. Four, if another agency does not comply with the coordinated schedule developed by DOT, the other agency does not lose its authority. It does have a remedy, a report to Congress. I think on balance we have taken into consideration the concerns expressed in the course of the hearing and subsequently about the effects of this legislation on environmental processes, and I urge the adoption of the bill.”