Max Baucus: “I am in support of Senator Lautenberg's amendment to replenish the superfund trust fund, by reinstating the superfund…”

“I am in support of Senator Lautenberg's amendment to replenish the superfund trust fund, by reinstating the superfund taxes that expired in 1995. The trust fund is running dangerously low, and that is just not acceptable. As I've stated before, I remember very clearly when Congress debated the original superfund law, and I remember thinking what an incredible legacy Congress could leave the Nation by enacting that historic legislation. Seeing how successful superfund has been over the last 25 years, particularly in Libby, MT, reinforces my belief that we did the right thing for the people of this country when we created the superfund program. The superfund program brought millions of dollars to Montana for clean up activities, to protect the health and well being of Montana's citizens and create good paying jobs in the local communities left with a contaminated site. For example, more than $34 million has been spent in Libby alone in an effort to remove asbestos contamination caused by the now defunct WR Grace vermiculite mine, as well as to provide health screenings for Libby residents. Hundreds of millions have been spent in the Clark Fork basin to remedy decades of industrial pollution. Millions more will be spent to clean up the Berkeley Pit and other sites in the State. Some of this money will come from an identifiable, solvent responsible party, but much of it will not, as companies go out of business or declare bankruptcy. And, Montana is not alone.…”