Frank Lautenberg: “these letters are opposed to authorization or appropriation language that limits the importance of penalties in…”

“these letters are opposed to authorization or appropriation language that limits the importance of penalties in deterring environmental violations. In fact, the letter signed by twenty-one environmental groups states ``Creating a special exemption for DoD from penalties for environmental violations sends the message that this federal agency can ignore and discount the laws by which everyone else must abide.'' My final point is that every time the Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee has raised this topic in hearings, the Committee has leaned toward expanding the role of fines and penalties in enforcing environmental laws at federal facilities. They did that so federal, state, and local governments would have all the tools they need to make sure all federal facilities comply with health and environmental laws. Finally, as the Administration pointed out, ``all federal agencies should be held fully accountable for environmental violations and should be held to the same standards as the private sector.'' That is precisely what the Kerry amendment would do and I urge my colleagues to support it.”