|
SWEENEY
ANNOUNCES FINAL PASSAGE OF CLEAN LAKES BILL TAKES ISSUE WITH LEAGUE
OF CONSERVATION VOTERS
LAKES GEORGE AND CHAMPLAIN RECEIVE
SPECIAL DESIGNATION
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John E. Sweeney (R/C-Halfmoon)
announced unanimous House passage of the Estuary Habitat and
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Act of 2000 Conference Report. The
conference report for the Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000, is
a combination of eight environmental restoration and infrastructure
bills that will advance clean water initiatives across the country.
Sweeney's Clean Lakes Bill, part of his ongoing effort to combat
acid rain, is included in the measure. Sweeney was appointed to the
House/Senate conference earlier this month to negotiate differences
between the House and Senate. The conference report was approved by
the Senate on Monday and now heads to the President to be signed
into law.
"Once again, this Congress has passed legislation renewing our
commitment to the environment. Passing this bipartisan legislation
will boost the health of our nation's estuaries and lakes, and
provide assistance to meet states' water supply needs," said
Sweeney. "The Clean Lakes Bill fits in well with the other worthy
measures included here, which all share a common goal: improving
water quality through restoration, not regulation."
Sweeney's Clean Lakes Bill passed the house in April by a vote of
420-5. The bill authorizes broad-based funding for water quality
assessment studies; diagnostic feasibility studies to identify
causes of problems in the water quality and propose solutions; and
demonstration and restoration projects to fix actual problems facing
lakes. The also includes a specific program to monitor the effects
of acid rain.
The bill directs the EPA Administrator to give priority
consideration to programs designed to help restore Lake George and
Lake Champlain under the Clean Lakes Program. Acid rain, nutrient
runoff, and invasive zebra mussels are examples of problems facing
Lake George and Lake Champlain.
"This is a Win-Win situation for New York. Investing in our
waterways, with locally driven programs, will help us address
specific water quality issues," said Sweeney. "We can take action
now to help clean up our lakes and streams so future generations can
enjoy them. I believe our lakes and rivers are among our most
precious resources. In the Adirondacks, they are a way of life."
As a cosponsor of the original Long Island Sound Restoration
legislation, Sweeney also expressed his support for its inclusion in
today's bill. Said Sweeney, "The Project will benefit the
environment and the eight million people who reside in the Long
Island Sound's watershed. The Long Island Sound is an important
national asset that deserves our support."
Sweeney today also criticized the League of Conservation Voters,
which yesterday released its scorecard that condemned Republicans
nationwide as anti-environment. Said Sweeney, "The so-called League
of Conservation voters is a political organization that places
politics above the environment. This is clear when it chooses to
ignore important environmental initiatives like the Clean Lakes
Bill, the Long Island Sound Restoration, and dozens of other
positive pieces of legislation that have been considered in the
House of Representatives this year."
"This bill before us today, developed in bipartisan cooperation,
is the type of legislation one should measure our Representatives
by. Instead, the LCV chooses to further their political agenda by
placing their ratings on International Family Planning funds,
monument designations in Utah, predator control on western lands
ahead of policies that actually contribute to our environmental
progress in New York State."
"As a representative of some of the most precious natural
resources in the Adirondack, Catskill, and Hudson Valley regions, I
am a strong supporter of protecting our environment. Wise land
management practices, supported by today's House action, will ensure
future generations can enjoy nature's splendor," declared Sweeney.
Sweeney, elected in 1998, is Vice Chairman of the Aviation
Subcommittee and serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure,
Small Business and Banking Committees. Sweeney has successfully
advanced more legislation than any freshman Member of the 106th
Congress.
## 30
## | 
