[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 28, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          OUR MILITARY MUST BE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE TOO

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 28, 2009

  Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I have introduced the Military 
Environmental Responsibility Act (H.R. 672). The purpose of this bill 
is to require the Department of Defense to fully comply with Federal 
and State environmental laws.
  Military exemptions from requirements and enforcement provisions 
under environment, public safety, and worker protection laws harm the 
environment and human health. Our constituents who border military 
bases should have the same protections as other municipalities.
  This bill will not compromise military readiness. Environmental laws 
currently include exemptions for the military in the event of 
``paramount interest of the United States''. These exemptions have only 
been used a handful of times, and the President would retain that 
authority over this legislation.
  Americans believe that their government should be accountable to them 
and play by the same rules that they have to follow. Much of the 
cynicism and apathy of recent years can be traced directly to public 
perception that government officials and agencies are not accountable 
to anyone. We can only begin to restore faith in government and 
participation in democracy by ensuring that the federal government 
works under the same laws and regulations as private businesses and 
individuals.

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