Gregory Laughlin: “the Laughlin-Tate-Brewster-Bachus- Parker amendment to the Emerson amendment is a balanced, reasonable amendment to…”

“the Laughlin-Tate-Brewster-Bachus- Parker amendment to the Emerson amendment is a balanced, reasonable amendment to address the ongoing problem involving section 401 of the Clean Water Act and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This sets up a balanced, fair dispute resolution process. It responds to the conflicts--or at least potential conflicts--between Clean Water Act water quality certifications and FERC hydropower licensing decisions. A recent Supreme Court case has expanded the interpretation and use of section 401. This amendment does not overturn that case. It does not weaken States rights to protect water quality. Instead, it sets up a fair mechanism to resolve potential conflicts or unreasonable consequences. It also retains States rights to protect water quality--the original intent of the Clean Water Act. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.”