Sherwood Boehlert: “the amendment to section 420 on page 93 regards the usage of federal funds for comprehensive conservation and management…”

“the amendment to section 420 on page 93 regards the usage of federal funds for comprehensive conservation and management plans for our national estuaries. That is a proper role for the Federal Government. All of us recognize that. The Clean Water Act allows EPA national estuary program grants to be used for developing plans, not for implementing them. Section 420 would allow these grants to be used for implementation for FY 2000. Section 420 constitutes legislation on an appropriations bill in violation of clause 2 of rule XXI. However, we have talked with the chairman and ranking member and advised them that the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure is currently considering legislation to reauthorize the national estuary program. We are determined to do so, and we are moving with dispatch. The proposed amendment would allow national estuary grants to be used for implementing plans, subject to passage of national estuary program reauthorization legislation. I would urge its adoption.”