Allan Swift: “I am pleased to join with my distinguished colleague from Oklahoma, Mr. Synar, in introducing today the Waste Export and…”

“I am pleased to join with my distinguished colleague from Oklahoma, Mr. Synar, in introducing today the Waste Export and Import Control Act of 1994. On March 22, 1989, the United States joined with 103 other concerned nations to sign the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. The signatory nations recognized the need for an international agreement addressing the risks to health and the environment posed by the improper management of exported wastes. Since that time, still more nations have added their names to the list of signatories, and over 60 nations have become full voting parties to the convention. In the 102d Congress, the Senate voted favorably to give its advice and consent to ratification. With a positive policy toward the environment from this administration, we are now ready to pass implementing legislation. Implementing legislation will allow us to become a full voting party. We remain one of the world's leading exporters of wastes; we should be a leader in ensuring that those wastes are managed properly. The Waste Export and Import Control Act of 1994 addresses both of these concerns. First, it provides the Environmental Protection Agency with the needed authority to implement the Basel Convention. Second, and more significantly, it demonstrates to the world that America takes responsibility for the proper management of the wastes we export.”