[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 88 (Wednesday, June 19, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H3769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1220
                               FARRM BILL

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the 
Agriculture Committee, I strongly support the FARRM Bill we are 
considering today and the reforms that it brings.
  The EPA has been implementing what is known as a ``total maximum 
daily load'' on the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The TMDL is often 
described as a pollution diet because it mandates water quality 
standards and nutrient discharges into the watershed.
  Aside from the great cost, one of the concerns I have had is the 
science behind the TMDL. EPA's model is substantially different from 
USDA's. As such, I have been a strong advocate for EPA utilizing the 
USDA's data and agricultural expertise while implementing this mandate.
  This is why I am offering an amendment to the FARRM Bill which will 
require USDA to provide such data and consultation to EPA while 
ensuring privacy of farmers.
  The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. It needs and deserves our 
attention. However, these restoration activities, which require 
taxpayer dollars, should include the best science available to continue 
the great strides we are already making with the health of the bay.

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