Political Quotes

“My colleague, Senator Bryan, and I rise today to describe and elaborate on language that was accepted as an amendment to the Senate's reauthorization of the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. Last week, our colleagues agreed to create a Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Lake Tahoe Basin between Nevada and California. In addition to being one of the most beautiful places on Earth, the Lake Tahoe Basin is also one of the most environmentally sensitive. Locals within the Basin, the Washoe Indian Tribe, and the State Governments of Nevada and California have long recognized the unique status of Lake Tahoe. The Lake is the 3rd deepest in North America and the 10th deepest in the World. At its deepest point the Lake is 1,645 feet deep and averages about 1000 feet. Stretching 22 miles in length by 12 miles in width, the Lake has 72 miles of beautiful shore line that has beckoned millions of visitors over the years. For years, the many competing interests in the Basin have found ways to work together to protect the famed water quality of the Lake. Environmentalists, small businessmen, resorts and gaming interests, and private property owners have all long recognized that Lake Tahoe is a national treasure and must be preserved. The partnerships they have developed are unique and have proved the notion that it is not necessary to harm the economy to improve the environment.”