[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 130 (Friday, August 1, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1645]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION RESEARCH ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 30, 2008

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support 
of H.R. 3957, a measure aimed at increasing research, development, 
education, and technology transfer activities related to water use 
efficiency and conservation technologies at the Environmental 
Protection Agency.
  It is evident that current water use and management practices are 
draining supplies and it is critical that we obtain knowledge of newer 
technologies that will increase sustainability. It is our hope that 
this legislation will promote technologies and approaches that will 
contribute towards ensuring a healthy and sustainable water supply.
  EPA's research, development and dissemination of technologies that 
promote greater water use will also help to advance water conservation 
as a national goal.
  More importantly, however, it is our hope that it will reduce the 
threat of a diminishing water supply and prepare us for water shortages 
that are increasing in frequency.
  As the Chairwoman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure 
Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I am keenly aware of 
the need for increased Federal research on new and emerging 
technologies for water use efficiency and conservation. As noted in 
testimony before my Subcommittee, the growing water-related challenges 
facing our nation, including the need to repair and replace much of our 
antiquated water infrastructure, urban sprawl, and the threat of global 
warming, requires us to address these challenges in an integrated, 
comprehensive fashion--including the need to develop the next 
generation of water-related infrastructure.
  I was pleased to work with Chairman Gordon and the sponsor of this 
legislation, Mr. Matheson, on an amendment to include within the scope 
of research and development program technologies and processes to 
enable the collection, storage, treatment and reuse of stormwater, as 
well as the creation of a publicly-accessible clearing house for 
information on technologies and processes developed under this program. 
This amendment was adopted during the Committee on Science and 
Technology's markup of this legislation.
  In an effort to bring this legislation to the floor for consideration 
as quickly as possible, the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure did not seek a referral of the bill. The Transportation 
Committee did this, however, with the understanding that this decision 
does not waive, reduce or affect the jurisdiction of the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure.
  I look forward to a continuing dialogue with both the Senate and the 
Committee on Science and Technology in Conference as we work to resolve 
our differences in this important piece of legislation. Working 
together we will be able to advance sustainable water use and 
management practices that will contribute to the overall health of our 
nation.
  I also look forward to the next Congress when I hope to work with my 
colleagues on both the Science and Transportation Committees on 
improving research of water quality, as well as on improving the 
nation's monitoring systems for all facets of our precious water 
resources.
  I urge my colleagues to join with me to support this bill, and 
authorizing the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a research 
and development program that will promote water use efficiency 
practices and promote water conservation as a national goal.

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