Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to R. S., April 10, 1996

Congress of tfic Sfnittb States $oube of йергевепШйгВ JSHaefjington, DC 20515-2002 April 10, 1996 Dear | Thank you for forwarding to me a copy of the statement you submitted to Delegates Redmer, Ports, and Klausmeier regarding your desire that the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) receive adequate funding from the Maryland State Legislature. I share your basic concern for environmental issues. On the two most important environmental votes to come before Congress in 1995, 1 supported the position endorsed by most environmental groups. I opposed H. R. 961, a Republican-sponsored Clean Water Act reauthorization bill, because I believed it would adversely impact ongoing efforts to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. I also voted, on three separate occasions, to delete from an appropriations bill 17 legislative provisions unilaterally restricting EPA’s ability to enforce environmental laws and regulations. As we undertake the task of devolving power away from Washington and back to states and localities, states must accept more responsibility for enforcing environmental regulations important to preserving public health and safety. In order for this process to succeed, state legislatures must be willing to make ample resources available. Additionally, state agencies must-as you suggest-leam to work closely with their federal counterparts. Once again, thanks for contacting me. Let me know if I may be of assistance to you in the future. Sincerely, "K4 Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress