[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 9 (Monday, January 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            OUR MILITARY MUST BE ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE

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                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 24, 2011

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I have introduced the Military Environmental 
Responsibility Act (H.R. 332). 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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