Tom Udall: “we support passage of H.R. 3929. We need to do more, not less, to help communities that are working to apply new…”

“we support passage of H.R. 3929. We need to do more, not less, to help communities that are working to apply new technologies to their water supply problems. This bill provides limited financial assistance for engineering and environmental studies. It does not authorize funds for construction. The project sponsors are exploring the feasibility of an ocean water desalinization plant using subsurface intake wells, which are protective of the marine environment. If this design is successful, it could encourage other coastal communities that are considering ocean desalinization as a way to stretch their limited water supplies without causing damage to marine life. It is unfortunate that the Bush administration opposes this bill. Their opposition to H.R. 3929 is short-sighted and ill advised. This administration appears to be on a crusade against the use of innovative technologies to help solve water supply problems. I hope the bill will be enacted despite their objections. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”