A Hearing to review H.R. 3849 the PIC and POPs Conventions and the LRTAP POPs Protocol Implementation Act
Statement of The Honorable Frank Lucas
A Hearing to review H.R. 3849 - the PIC and POPs Conventions
and the LRTAP POPs Protocol Implementation Act
House Committee on Agriculture
Washington, D.C.- In September of last year, I joined with Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Peterson, and Mr. Holden, the Ranking Member of my Subcommittee, in introducing H.R. 3849, the PIC and POPs Conventions and the LRTAP [pronounced: ler tap] POPs Protocol Implementation Act.
We introduced this bipartisan legislation to amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) so that the United States could fulfill its obligations to ratify the POPs, PICs, and LRTAP agreements. It is imperative that the Congress continue to take steps to implement these treaties so that the United States is no longer on the outside looking in during the important discussions of the convention that will ultimately lead to decisions that may affect us here at home.
That being said, I can understand why some people may be concerned about amending legislation that deals with the regulation of pesticides. But let me be very clear: this legislation does no more or less than is required to adjust current policy so that the United States will be in compliance with these treaties.
The United States has contributed much to the negotiation of the treaties and continues to provide millions of dollars in funding for technical assistance. However, until Congress takes action to ratify these agreements, the United States will continue to sit on the sideline while important scientific discussions take place. These are very fair and necessary environmental treaties that offer our citizens protection from toxic substances, while offering the United States the flexibility to continue current policies and determine what practices best meet our own domestic needs.
I look forward to the future passage of this legislation and I thank Chairman Goodlatte for his leadership on this issue by holding today's hearing.
http://www.house.gov/list/hearing/ok03_lucas/popshearing.html