Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to T. B., May 13, 1997

ROBERT L. EHRLICH. JR. Congress of the aimtrt States ftouer of JUpresentatibes ®Hasrt)ington, 2ЭС 20515-2002 May 13, 1997 Thank you for contacting me to express your concern for tropical rain forests. It is always good to hear from the young people of the Second Congressional District. I understand the importance of these ecologically vital areas of the world. As you probably are aware, rain forests, through photosynthesis, replenish much of the earth’s oxygen supply. Because most of the world’s rain forests exist in other parts of the world, such as South America, Congress does not have the authority to singlehandedly enact laws preventing development or tree cutting of these areas. However, Congress — working with private corporations, the U. S. Trade Representative, and nations such as Brazil — can pursue trade policies which encourage our South American neighbors to treat these areas with appropriate care. Be assured that I will be supportive of such enlightened trade policies during the 105th Congress. Moreover, you will be pleased to know that I supported legislation (H. R. 2854) during the 1 04th Congress which allocates funds towards the environmental cleanup of the Florida Everglades, the closest equivalent to a tropical rain forest in the continental United States. H. R. 2854 was passed by Congress in 1996 by a bipartisan majority, and was subsequently signed into law by the President. Your letter demonstrates great concern for the environment. I share this concern. During my first term in Congress I voted against legislation which would have weakened laws important to the Chesapeake Bay. I also supported important bipartisan safe drinking water legislation. Be assured that I will continue to give each proposal affecting the environment thorough and careful consideration. Thanks again for writing. Let me know if I can be of more help to you in the future. Sincerely, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress