Volume 148, No. 129 covering the 2nd Session of the 107th Congress (2001 - 2002) 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.
“STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS--OCTOBER 3, 2002” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Senate section on pages S9984-S9985 on Oct. 4, 2002.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS--OCTOBER 3, 2002
By Mrs. CLINTON (for herself and Mr. Schumer):
S. 3045. A bill to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to provide for the protection and enhancement of the environmental integrity and the social and economic benefits of the Finger Lakes Region in the State of New York; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Mrs. CLINTON. Mr. President, today, it is an honor to introduce the Finger Lakes Initiative Act of 2002. The Finger Lakes are the heart of New York. They stretch across most of the State and nurture an endless supply of natural and economic resources. They attract visitors from across the country, and they deserve our support to maintain and strengthen the quality of life in the entire region.
The Finger Lakes Region of New York State is a land of rolling hills, beautiful lakes, pastoral firms, and incomparable fish and wildlife resources. A critical environmental resource, the Lakes are also vital to the region's economy, generating a tremendous amount of tourism and commerce. Fishing, boating, hunting, wineries, farmers markets and the arts attract visitors from around the nation to the Finger Lakes region. The Finger Lakes region also includes some of the Northeast's most productive agricultural lands.
While Central New York is truly blessed with the environmental, economic, and cultural benefits that the Finger Lakes provide, the health of the Finger Lakes can no longer be taken for granted. Recent reports have confirmed what many residents in New York already know, the Finger Lakes are under environmental stress. In many of the lakes, water quality has suffered. Fluctuating water levels and flooding north of the lakes has also increased. In addition, a significant amount of fish and wildlife habitat is being lost and threats are being posed by the introduction of invasive species.
Local, State, and Federal officials have recognized the seriousness of these threats, and have worked to address these concerns. Local stakeholders have joined forces and are working to protect the lakes, developing management plans, implementing best management practices, and doing what they can to protect the resource that is truly their backyard. Yet there is still no comprehensive, regional action plan to address collective environmental protection and economic development goals for the region.
In recent years, Congress has recognized that our Nation's environmental resources are best protected on an ecosystem or watershed basis, with the federal government providing funds and expertise to assist with protection efforts that are shaped by State and local interests. This approach has been taken with great success in Chesapeake Bay, the Great Lakes, the Long Island Sound, and the California Bay Delta, just to name a few.
Just as the Federal Government has supported these national treasures, it is time for the Finger Lakes to be recognized as a region to be protected and enhanced for the economic and environmental benefit of all who live, work, farm, play, and visit the Finger Lakes.
Under the Finger Lakes Initiative Act of 2002, which I am introducing today with Senator Schumer, a new program will be established within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect and enhance the environmental integrity and cultural and economic benefits of the Finger Lakes. The Initiative will assist Finger Lakes stakeholders in achieving their goals for the region through technical, scientific, and financial assistance and coordination of relevant Federal programs.
To best serve the interests of the region and build upon the knowledge, expertise, and ongoing efforts of local stakeholders, the legislation establishes an official stakeholder group to aid in developing and implementing the Initiative. The stakeholder group will be comprised of representatives from local businesses, regional planning agencies, academic institutions, homeowners associations, environmental organizations, agricultural interests, economic development interests, the tourism industry, and tribes, as well as representatives of Federal, State, and local governments.
This stakeholder group will have three years to develop a comprehensive plan to provide for the protection and enhancement of the environmental integrity and the social and economic benefits of the Finger Lakes. The plan will be made available for public review and comment, including a number of public meetings throughout the Finger Lakes region. Once approved by the EPA Administrator, with the concurrence of the Governor, the plan will become the blueprint for federally supported activities in the region.
Furthermore, there will be an interdisciplinary research and education program established as part of the Finger Lakes Initiative, including $5 million in federal support authorized for a Finger Lakes Institute, such as the Institute that was recently announced at the Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY.
Overall, the bill authorizes $50 million in federal support over five years for efforts to protect and enhance the environmental, economic and cultural benefits of the Finger Lakes. And to ensure proper involvement and coordination among all federal agencies in addressing the needs and challenges in the Finger Lakes, appropriate financial, technical, and scientific assistance will be provided for the Finger Lakes Initiative by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Agricultural, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Economic Development Administration, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
For decades, the Finger Lakes region has held its own in the world. The lakes, the farms, the towns, the wildlife, and the recreational opportunities have all pulled people toward this part of the State. I, myself, was drawn there in August and spent time in Auburn, Seneca Falls, Hammondsport, and Geneva. Seeing the potential of this region, I can just imagine the possibilities when we finally reach out to the Finger Lakes Region--when we finally provide this region with the resources and the attention and the planning it deserves. The possibilities are endless.
There is room in our Nation for another natural wonder, the Finger Lakes Region of New York State.
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