Tom Udall: “my amendment would sunset the so-called project acceleration provisions in 5 years. These provisions are untested. They…”

“my amendment would sunset the so-called project acceleration provisions in 5 years. These provisions are untested. They were not the subject of any hearings of our committee. They were added at the last minute, before the markup, and they changed what I think is the bedrock National Environmental Policy Act. They set arbitrary deadlines. Rushed decisions lead to delays later and mistakes in litigation. Haste makes waste, both for taxpayer dollars and for natural resources. The administration doesn't want these changes. Yesterday, the chairwoman heeded our call and changed the bill. The provisions will now sunset in 10 years. I believe this is a step in the right direction, but make no mistake, these provisions are still a very risky move. If this gets worse, these provisions could risk a Presidential veto. I know the chairwoman has committed to me that we could have a hearing on the provisions that are in the law, the MA-21 provisions; that EPA--I ask for 30 seconds.”