Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013

Floor Speech

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of passage of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act today, although I have serious concerns with the changes to public and environmental review made in the bill.

This long-overdue authorization of Army Corps projects is critical to continue infrastructure maintenance and construction and environmental restoration in our nation's waterways. In my home state of Maryland, the Corps' work is essential for the operations of the Port of Baltimore, which supports thousands of jobs. Additionally, its environmental protection and oyster recovery work bolsters our efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay.

However, I am deeply concerned that the bill goes too far in its attempts to expedite project review. While we all support prompt analysis of federal projects, the NEPA process is critical to ensuring that proposed projects are cost-effective, environmentally sound, and in the best interest of the surrounding communities. Corps projects in particular are often large and complex, with impacts across waterways and ecosystems. We must provide adequate time for public and agency review and comment to avoid lasting environmental damage and costly litigation.

While I will vote today to move this bill forward, I look forward to working with my colleagues in the conference process to preserve a robust review and oversight process for all proposed projects.

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