|
Summary
Army represented argued for the Corps significant
involvent in any estaury restoration as that in H.R. 1775
Members Present
| Sherwood L. Boehlert (R-NY)
Herbert H. Bateman (R-VA) Wayne Gilchrest (R-MD) Steve Horn (R-CA) Vernon Ehlers (R-MI) sherwood Frank A. LoBiondo (R-NJ) Sue W. Kelly (R-NY) Kil |
Robert A. Borski (D-PA)
Gene Taylor (D-MS) William J. Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) Baird James P. McGovern (D-MA) Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) Ellen Tauscher (D-CA) Leonard L. Boswell (D-IA) |
Opening Statements
Chariman Boehlert began the proceedings with "our
nation's estuaries are out nations nurseries." Despite their critical
importance, he noted that estuaries are "at risk and under assault"
from population and devlepment pressures that are engulf out coastlines.
Boehlert summarized the 5 bills on the docket for discussion at this hearing:
1) H.R. 1775, the Estuary Habitat Partnership Act
of 1999, sponsored by Rep. Gilchrest, would restore 1 million acres of
habitat by 2010;
2) H.R. 1237, sponsored by Rep. Jim Saxton (R-NJ),
permits grants and reauthorizes appropriations for the national estuary
program;
3) H.R. 1096, sponsored by Rep. Nita M. Lowey (D-NY),
the Water Pollution Control and Estuary Restoration Act;
4) H.R. 855, sponsored by Rep. Michael Forbes (R-NY),
The Long Island Sound Preservation and Protection Act, to address the dumpin
of dredged material into the sound and holds federal agencies to the same
environmental standards as the private sector;
5) H.R. 673, sponsored by Rep. Peter Deutsch (D-FL),
The Florida Keys Water Quality Improvements Act of 1999.
Rep. Borski stated that "coastal environments need to be restored and protected" because the industries dependent on them--fisheries, tourism, water supply, and transportation--are worth billions of dollars to this country. He expressed conceren that the legislation to address this issue is too narrow and suggested instead that the Clean Water Act be reauthorized with an emphasis on reducing non-point source pollution.
Rep. Gilchrest used the image of the earth seen from space and urged his collegues to realize that "we are marrononed on this tiney little planet called earth." He argued that these issues must be dealt with and our fragile environments protected as they "protect us from that infinite, hostile environemtn called space."
Rep. Taylor focused his comments on the Core of Engineers and his belief that they are not doing their jobs. He argued that the Core is short sighted and simply performing emergency dredging; Taylor suggested that the Congress must direct the Core to select sites and begin restoring coastal marshes. Rep. Baird focused his comments on the determental effects of invasive species. Rep. Horn concetrated on the role of harbours and the material flowing into them as responsible parties for coastal degredation.
Panel 1 Witnesses
| Honorable Jim Saxton (R-NJ) | Honorable Christopher Shays (R-CT) |
| Honorable Nita M. Lowey | Honorable Rosa DeLauro |
| Honorable Rick Lazio | Honorable Michael P. Forbes |
| Honorable Gary Ackerman | Honorable Peter Deutsch |
| Honorable Ileana Ros-Lehtinen | Honorable Johnson |
Testimony of Rep. Saxton
Saxton stated that while impressive progress had
been made in reducing point source pollution, non-point source pollution
was still a significant problem. To address this problem, the Clean
Water Act must be reauthorized with provisions to reduce non-point source
pollution. He expressed confidence in H.R. 1237 as a positive step
towards protecting and restoring wetlands. Saxton stated that his
bill reauthroizes the National Estuary Program, addresses non-point source
pollution, and includes federal funds for planning and implementaiton of
protection strategies.
Testimony of Rep. Ros-Lehtinen
Ros-Lehntinen used her testimony to express support
for H.R. 673 and concern over water quality in the Florida Keys.
She stated that the Florida Keys represent on the the most extenisve living
coral reefs adn that tourism drivinen by this natural wonder is both a
blessing and a bane. While tourism is the backbone of the economy,
this large influx of people and associated development puts stress on the
natural system by increasing waste water and storm water pollution.
The Florida Keys must overcome a low per capita income, bedrock of porous
limestone, and a senstive ecosystem that requires the water meet the highest
standards. Ros-Lehtinen also stressed the link between the
everglades and Florida Keys; while the restoration legislation of the everglades
is encourage, the everglades cannot be saved without ensuring a healthy
florida keys system.
Testimony of Rep. Lazio
Rep. Lazio focused on non-point source pollution,
stating that it is reponsible for 93% of the environmental degradation
of New York's coastal and inland water quality. He stated that New
York state has designate over 800 million dollars for restoation, but the
magnitude of degradation precludes the state from being able to fund the
entire restoration project. However, he argued, that federal legislation
is ill equiped to fund these projects and address non-point pollution.
Consequently, Lazio supports H.R. 1775 and H.R. 1237.
Testimony of Rep. Shays
Shays expressed suppport for H.R. 1775 and H.R.
1237. He drew attention to the issue of dredging and more importantl
where the dedged material is dumped. He stated that rivers deliver sediment
to every harbour in the country and that this material when dredged cannot
be dumped at temporary sites. He urged legislation to require permanant
sites for dumping of dredged material.
Testimony of Rep. Johnson
Johnson expressed concern about non-point pollution,
but argued that there is no scientific evdience that dedred materials and
sites are a problem. He does not support any legislation that would
"bring a halt to an absolutely necessary maintanence project."
Testimony of Rep. Deutsch
Deutsch argued that the unique charachteristicds
of Monroe County in the Florida Keys makes a case for federal funding of
the necessary water treatment. Monroe county is set on a living reef
and has 93% of the land owned by the federal government. The current
water treatment system is not adequate to prevetn irreperable damage to
the reef system. The porous limestone of the reef allows seweage
to enter the reef in 12 hours from the current septic systems. Because
of the small tax base and magnitude of the problem, Deutsch urged the passage
of H.R. 673 that would provide federal fudning for water quality improvements
in the Florida Keys.
Testimony of Rep. Shaw
Shaw also stressed how unique and precious the Florida
Keys were; he argued that the water quality measures to preseve this "national
treasure" are "too expensive to do locally."
Question and Answer Session for Panel 1
Kelly asked about what Florida had done about luxury
boats flushing directly into waters. Shaw stated that it is totally
in federal jurisdiction and that the Coast Guard has not been helpful in
solving the problem. Deutcsh stressed that this was an enforcement
issue and Shaw argued for local boatmen assisting in enforcement.
Boehlert promised to follow up with the Coast Guard and Gilchrest promised
to call the Commandant of the Coast Guard that afternoon.
Panel 2 Witnesses
| Mr. Michael Davis
Deputy Asistan Scretary of the Army for Policy and Legislation Washington, D.C. |
Ms. Dana D. Minerva
Deputy Assistant Adminstrator for Water Environmental Protection Agency Washington, D.C. |
| Ms. Sally J. Yozell
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Oceans and Atmosphere NOAA Washington, D.C. |
Testimony of Michael Davis
Mr. Davis stated that the Army "applauds" H.R. 1775
and its goal of restoring 1 million acres of habitat by 2010. He
supports the bill's enhancement of the Army Corps of Engineers ability
to restore habitat. He argued that the Corps has a "powerful tool
kit of standing authorites and programs that can be brought to bear to
help solve environmental problems." He cited the 28,000 acres of
habitat already restored by the Corps in the Upper Mississippi River and
the proposa submitted to restore the everglades as evidence of the Core's
competency in habitat restoration. He discussed the shift in the
Core's program of one focusing on flood control and navigation to an agenda
that gives equal weight to both evironmental restoration and these traditional
functions. He assured the committee that "the Army is prepared to
take a leadership role in reaching the goals of H.R. 1775." He supported
limiting federal assitance to 65% and requiring non-federal sponsors to
contribute the rest, but asked Congress to clarify the role of non-federal
sponsors. He also suggested including the Great Lakes region in the
coverage of the bill and adding a cost share component that encourages
the trial of new technologies.
Mr. Davis, in order to provide background for his
comments about H.R. 855, detailed the current policies nad permiting procdures
of the Core's dredging program. In light of the polices currently in effect,
he stated H.R. 855 "will unnecessarily add costs and potenitla delays to
projects." He agreed with the objectives of H.R. 855 that federal
agencies should be held to the same environemental statndards, but some
language of H.R. 855 is suffiencly vague to hinder efficient implementaiton.
Testimony of Ms. Minerva
Ms. Minerva drew attention to the increased budget
requests of the pending legislation. She argued that the EPA, with
the current budget climate, was under serious finanacial restrictions;
any money allocated to these new programs would be removed from current
intitatives, seriously comprimisin current EPA monitoring and restoration
efforts.
Ms. Minerva stated that H.R. 1775 was consistent
with the EPA Clean Water Action Plan. She suggest broadening the
language f the bill to include "near shore marine habitats and associated
ecosystems."
Ms. Mierva stated that the EPA supports the general
intent of H.R. 1096, but has concerns about implementation specifics.
She supports greater cooperation among agencies and programs, however is
concerned that the language will make National Estuary Programs "less flexible"
and therefore less efficient. The EPA supports govenors being given
the right to us 20% of State Revovling Funds for Plan Water programs.
Testimony of Ms. Yozell
Ms. Yozell stressed the importance of estuaries
and their current plight. "Estuaries are suffering from water quality
problems, declining habitat quality, and, in some ares, total habitat loss."
She established the role that NOAA has played in habitat restoation and
made a case for NOAA's involvement in future restroaiton progams detailed
by the bills under discussion. She expressed support for H.R.
1775 and argued it would "further the progress NOAA has made in promoting
esturain habitat restoriaton." She did suggest that the Great Lakes
be included under the auspices of this bill.
Ms. Yozell stated that the Florida Keys need to
be recognized as a
Please send any comments or requests for information to the AGI Government Affairs Program.
Contributed by Sarah Robinson, AGI Government Affairs Interns
Posted March 23, 1999; Last Updated June 15, 1999
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