[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 48 (Thursday, March 25, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E574-E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS NEED TO BE AMONG OUR HIGHEST PRIORITIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 25, 1999

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of water 
quality, smart growth and protecting our environment--and, therefore, 
in support of the Democratic budget resolution.
  Clean and safe drinking water must be among our highest national 
priorities. We need to ensure that we protect farmland, slow suburban 
sprawl and protect open spaces. Further, the Environmental Protection 
Agency must have the adequate tools and resources to do their job--
protecting our environment.
  That is why I support the Democratic budget resolution which would 
have provided $1.6 billion more for natural resources and environmental 
programs than the Republican budget. Our bill allows for continued 
assistance to our communities to upgrade their sewer systems and 
wastewater treatment facilities. It also provides resources for our 
communities to protect farmland and preserve or restore green spaces. 
Our budget also provides grants for ``smart growth'' planning and park 
restoration.
  For those of us in St. Clair and Macomb Counties who treasure the 
special place in which we live, the Democratic budget blueprint would 
allow us to preserve and improve our quality of life. That is among the 
most important things we can do.
  In the months ahead, I look forward to working with my colleagues on 
both sides of the aisle to ensure that our water is safe to drink, our 
lakes are safe for swimming, and our continued growth is managed 
responsibly. I am also hopeful that our local and state officials will 
help us in our effort to help improve sewers and water treatment 
facilities, and to preserve farmland and open spaces.
  Our environment is precious and valuable. We need to take steps today 
to ensure that it

[[Page E575]]

is preserved for our grandchildren to inherit. We will continue our 
fight to ensure that environmental protections are among our highest 
prioritiies.

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