Political Quotes

“I support this commonsense amendment offered by the gentleman from California. If we are serious about applying risk assessment to the Clean Water Act then we should apply it to proposals to grant waivers of the Clean Water Act. What could have more risk associated with it than relaxing pollution control standards? These waivers raise the possibility of adding serious and harmful pollutants into our Nation's rivers, lakes, and streams. If we are going to allow these waivers, we should at least subject them to the same risk analysis as other parts of the clean water program. If these waivers can withstand the scrutiny of risk analysis, then there is even more reason for granting them. If they cannot measure up, they should not be allowed. This bill allows waivers of the Clean Water Act's requirements to limit discharges into the waters. I do not believe there is a full understanding of the meaning of those waivers. The waiver proposal has not been subjected to any kind of scientific evaluation. The Mineta amendment would apply science--good science--and risk analysis to these waivers. If we want to limit these waivers to areas where they won't harm the environment, this is the right amendment. I urge passage of the amendment.”