Sherwood Boehlert: “Mr. Speaker, the bill would amend the Clean Water Act to allow a community in Puerto Rico to apply to EPA for an…”

“Mr. Speaker, the bill would amend the Clean Water Act to allow a community in Puerto Rico to apply to EPA for an alternative to secondary treatment requirements. Any alternative approved by EPA would be, and this is important, would be subject to requirements and conditions necessary to assure the adequate protection of coastal resources. Mr. Speaker, this bill could help save the community up to $65 million by avoiding the construction of more costly facilities while including appropriate environmental safeguards. Another provision in the bill, added in committee, modifies the Clean Water Act's national estuary program. The bill allows the use of Federal funds for implementation, as opposed to just development, of comprehensive conservation and management plans. This is a widely supported approach to protecting America's estuaries. Allowing Federal funds to be used for implementing the national estuary program is an initiative strongly supported by State, local, and regional interests, including the environmental community. Many States have completed their comprehensive conservation and management plans required under the national estuary program, and it is time to help put their plans to work. Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure members should be congratulated for their efforts in developing the Coastal Pollution Reduction Act.”