Frank Pallone: “Time after time, Democratic Members have come to the floor to strike bad NEPA language from bills, only to be voted down…”

“Time after time, Democratic Members have come to the floor to strike bad NEPA language from bills, only to be voted down by Republicans who use streamlining as a euphemism for letting polluters do whatever they want. Now they expect us to believe that they are sincere about keeping NEPA strong in one perverse scenario in which they think it could help them. Well, I don't think that passes the smell test. What is more, the amendment undermines the treaty rights of the Lummi Nation and jeopardizes the sovereignty of all tribes with rights to natural resources. Mr. Chairman, tomorrow we will be here on the House floor to vote on the conference report for a highway bill which includes, over the opposition of many Democrats, sweeping exemptions from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act. I have no doubt that both of the sponsors of this amendment support those exemptions and will vote to pass the bill without a second thought about the fact that it short- circuits NEPA review for many, many infrastructure projects. I am shocked to see them standing here with straight faces arguing that, when it benefits them and their friends in the coal industry, the NEPA process should be thorough and complete. It is a level of audacity that I think is almost laughable. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this damaging and disingenuous amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. McKINLEY. Mr.…”