[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 97 (Thursday, June 27, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1212]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1996

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                               speech of

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 1996

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3604, 
the Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments. This bill is supported by 
environmentalists, industry, State and local governments, and consumer 
advocates. This bill is proof that Congress can pass strong 
environmental legislation if it works together on a bipartisan basis.
  In my view, keeping our water clean is one of our Nation's most 
pressing environmental concerns. A strong Clean Water Act is necessary 
to keep our oceans, lakes, and rivers clean for all to enjoy. 
Similarly, a strong Safe Drinking Water Act is essential to keep 
harmful pollutants out of our drinking water, which is literally our 
lifeblood.
  This legislation will do just that. The bill, for the first time, 
authorizes $7.6 billion for the State drinking water revolving loan 
fund, which is used by our communities to build and improve drinking 
water treatment facilities. Equally as important, the legislation 
guarantees that Americans will be informed of exactly which pollutants 
are in their drinking water. My State of California already has a 
successful right-to-know statute--I'm glad that the rest of the Nation 
has again followed our lead.
  This legislation also proves that there is an effective way to 
balance environmental protection with economic concerns. The bill 
reforms rigid regulations by providing EPA with more flexibility in 
setting standards for drinking water contaminants. I'm pleased that the 
bill will allow EPA to consider costs and benefits in establishing 
standards for new contaminants.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill represents a reasonable, responsible approach 
to environmental protection. It is evidence of how successful we can be 
if we put partisanship behind us.

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