[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 166 (Tuesday, October 30, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2272]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM AND PATHFINDER 
                     MODIFICATION AUTHORIZATION ACT

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                               speech of

                           HON. ADRIAN SMITH

                              of nebraska

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 22, 2007

  Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the House 
Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Rahall, Ranking Member Young, 
Subcommittee Chairwoman Napolitano, Subcommittee Ranking Member 
McMorris Rodgers and all of the staff for their work on the Platte 
River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification 
Authorization Act.
  It is encouraging to see this longstanding issue finally reach a 
settlement. After years of study and review by the states, Federal 
Government, water users, land owners, and other interested parties, the 
time has come to resolve this matter once and for all.
  I cosponsored this legislation as part of the consensus to recognize 
the reality of the challenges before us with collective decision-making 
and cooperation. However, this agreement does impact some of our 
farmers and ranchers, and we must continue to be cognizant of the 
impact of the Endangered Species Act. As we move forward with the 
implementation of the Program, positive and negative economic impacts 
must be assessed and considered in order to minimize adverse effects of 
the recovery efforts.
  I support moving forward with this legislation as the first step of 
many to protect and recover species and provide long-term water use for 
our communities.

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