Political Quotes

“First, a commonsense approach is necessary. We can improve the Federal program so that it complements industry's efforts to improve voluntary AST standards. Some say that industry and environmental groups cannot work together to improve the environment. I simply do not believe this has to be the case. In January, Senator Daschle, Senator Simpson, and I introduced a bill on AST's that is the product of a coalition of several industry and environmental groups. Our bill seeks not only to improve the environment with respect to above-ground tanks, but also seeks to reduce the regulatory requirements on industry. We need Federal legislation to improve and reform the Federal program regulating AST's. This will provide more clear, concise guidelines to tank owners and operators, and enable EPA to deal swiftly and effectively with threats to human health and the environment. Specifically, the bill would require EPA to consolidate its aboveground storage tank offices into one office on storage tanks. In conjunction with this restructuring, the bill requires EPA to work with the Department of Transportation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to streamline and simplify the current regulatory structure affecting aboveground petroleum storage tanks and their owners.”