“SUPPORT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S NATIONAL HAZARDOUS WASTE AND SUPERFUND OMBUDSMAN” published by the Congressional Record on June 26, 2000

Volume 146, No. 82 covering the 2nd Session of the 106th Congress (1999 - 2000) was published by the Congressional Record.

The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.

“SUPPORT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S NATIONAL HAZARDOUS WASTE AND SUPERFUND OMBUDSMAN” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1112 on June 26, 2000.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

SUPPORT FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY'S NATIONAL HAZARDOUS

WASTE AND SUPERFUND OMBUDSMAN

______

HON. DIANA DeGETTE

of colorado

in the house of representatives

Monday, June 26, 2000

Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of providing additional funds to support the Environmental Protection Agency's National Hazardous Waste and Superfund Ombudsman. The Office of the Ombudsman has been instrumental in providing further investigation and access to information for the public on a number of complicated Superfund sites across the Nation.

There are many communities across the United States impacted by years of hazardous waste disposal. The very laws and agencies involved in cleaning up these very dangerous sites often become mired in legal tangles and bureaucratic inertia. The Office of the Ombudsman has been an ally of citizens to further insure that public health and the environment remain at the forefront in clean up decisions at Superfund sites. The Ombudsman also plays an important role regarding oversight of the EPA, ensuring that harmful decisions are corrected and that information surrounding Superfund sites is available for the public.

In my district, the Office of the Ombudsman was useful in investigating the Shattuck Waste Disposal Site in Denver. The Ombudsman redirected EPA's focus by fostering greater public participation in EPA's decision to allow radioactive waste to remain in an urban neighborhood. To better protect public health and the environment, I believe it is appropriate that the Office of the Ombudsman receive adequate funds to sustain their mission of advocating for substantive public involvement in EPA decisions.

____________________

SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 146, No. 82