"I think that kind of freedom is the essence of our democracy."
"Agency decisions must be transparent including those about science, but in my opinion, these are decisions best left to technical experts."
"For far too long communities have been subject to the serious risks associated with inadequate coal ash disposal."
"There is a need for consistent, fair, and rigorous oversight of the rule's implementation."
"Based on this testimony, I do not see a need for legislation at this time, and I see serious risks in this particular proposal."
"Now for the first time we have minimum federal requirements that set a floor of public health and environmental protections."
"The bill keeps these facilities open, allowing deficient structures to continue to receive waste for years."
"I continue to believe the rule should move forward."
"Do you think it is important to have a federal floor of protections for coal ash disposal?"
"opening statement"
"I want to thank Congressman Tonko for sponsoring the Assistance Quality and Affordability Act of 2014 in the last Congress."