Frank Lautenberg: “While I believe that inclusion of this rider is unfortunate as it will slow progress toward cleaner air, I understand…”

“While I believe that inclusion of this rider is unfortunate as it will slow progress toward cleaner air, I understand that it should have little practical effect. EPA is unlikely to make those designations much in advance of June 15, 2001, in any case, even though all but about 6 states have submitted proposed areas for nonattainment designation. I would just like to make one thing very clear for the record. This rider is a prohibition on the expenditures of funds. It does not negate the requirement included in TEA-21 that areas be designated under the new ozone standard. It also does not in any way prejudice the litigation pending before the Supreme Court.”