[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 76 (Thursday, June 16, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       WETLANDS--MARYLAND TAKINGS

  (Mr. GILCHREST asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I think we should move into the next 
century with a bipartisan attitude to solve the Nation's problems. One 
of those problems, Mr. Speaker, is the problem of depleting wetlands.
  Mr. Speaker, wetlands help maintain the environmental and economic 
health of many areas of our country. In fact, 75 percent of the U.S. 
commercial fish and shellfish catch consists of species dependent on 
wetlands and estuaries for spawning, nursery grounds, and food 
production. Wetlands are the cradle of our Nation's multibillion-dollar 
seafood industry.
  Despite the high value of wetlands, over half of the Nation's 
wetlands have been destroyed, and fish populations nationwide are on 
the decline. In the Chesapeake Bay, migratory fish populations have 
fallen on average of 82 percent since the 1960's. The primary reason 
for the tragic decline appears to be the loss and degradation of 
wetlands. And yet we hear proposals for takings bills which would 
totally decimate wetlands protections.
  I am deeply concerned about people who feel their property rights are 
violated by wetlands protections. The fifth amendment guarantees that 
property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation. 
No one here will disagree, especially me.
  I believe that property rights and the environment should not be at 
odds. We can ensure that property rights are maintained and wetlands 
are protected without compromising our Nation's environmental laws. I 
am convinced that Congress can find creative solutions without 
resorting to the short-sighted, quick-fix legislation that threatens 
both the economic and environmental health of my State and the country 
as a whole.

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