[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 11 (Wednesday, February 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E100-E101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   NONPOINT POLLUTION CONTROL PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 9, 2000

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of 
the Coastal Community Conservation Act and the importance of protecting 
America's water ways.
  Our children's future matters to all of us, and we have a 
responsibility to leave to them the same beautiful and viable 
environment that we enjoy today. The Coastal Community Conservation Act 
is a step in the right direction.
  The Conservation Act requires states with approved coastal zone 
management programs, such as New York, to develop a coastal pollution 
control program to manage nonpoint sources which affect water quality.
  A major feature of a coastal nonpoint control program is that it 
unites the water quality management expertise of the state water 
quality agencies with the land use management expertise of the coastal 
management agency. In order to preserve America's heritage, this unity 
of water and land conservationist must happen.
  The most promising approach is to incorporate pollution reduction and 
management into the conduct of activities rather than establish 
separate programs. To do this the following guidelines must be 
followed: build on existing programs; incorporate state and local 
government input; and plain common sense.
  It is vital that in our zeal to find solutions to our pollution 
problems that we remember the importance of coordination between the 
states and the federal government. We all have the same goal: 
protecting our natural resources. We have some of the most beautiful 
coastlines and natural resources in the world. The time is now to solve 
them. And our children and grandchildren will thank us.

[[Page E101]]



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