Volume 154, No. 130 covering the 2nd Session of the 110th Congress (2007 - 2008) 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.
“WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION RESEARCH ACT” mentioning the Environmental Protection Agency was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1645 on Aug. 1, 2008.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
WATER USE EFFICIENCY AND CONSERVATION RESEARCH ACT
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speech of
HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 3957, a measure aimed at increasing research, development, education, and technology transfer activities related to water use efficiency and conservation technologies at the Environmental Protection Agency.
It is evident that current water use and management practices are draining supplies and it is critical that we obtain knowledge of newer technologies that will increase sustainability. It is our hope that this legislation will promote technologies and approaches that will contribute towards ensuring a healthy and sustainable water supply.
EPA's research, development and dissemination of technologies that promote greater water use will also help to advance water conservation as a national goal.
More importantly, however, it is our hope that it will reduce the threat of a diminishing water supply and prepare us for water shortages that are increasing in frequency.
As the Chairwoman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, I am keenly aware of the need for increased Federal research on new and emerging technologies for water use efficiency and conservation. As noted in testimony before my Subcommittee, the growing water-related challenges facing our nation, including the need to repair and replace much of our antiquated water infrastructure, urban sprawl, and the threat of global warming, requires us to address these challenges in an integrated, comprehensive fashion--including the need to develop the next generation of water-related infrastructure.
I was pleased to work with Chairman Gordon and the sponsor of this legislation, Mr. Matheson, on an amendment to include within the scope of research and development program technologies and processes to enable the collection, storage, treatment and reuse of stormwater, as well as the creation of a publicly-accessible clearing house for information on technologies and processes developed under this program. This amendment was adopted during the Committee on Science and Technology's markup of this legislation.
In an effort to bring this legislation to the floor for consideration as quickly as possible, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure did not seek a referral of the bill. The Transportation Committee did this, however, with the understanding that this decision does not waive, reduce or affect the jurisdiction of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
I look forward to a continuing dialogue with both the Senate and the Committee on Science and Technology in Conference as we work to resolve our differences in this important piece of legislation. Working together we will be able to advance sustainable water use and management practices that will contribute to the overall health of our nation.
I also look forward to the next Congress when I hope to work with my colleagues on both the Science and Transportation Committees on improving research of water quality, as well as on improving the nation's monitoring systems for all facets of our precious water resources.
I urge my colleagues to join with me to support this bill, and authorizing the Environmental Protection Agency to establish a research and development program that will promote water use efficiency practices and promote water conservation as a national goal.
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