Environmental Defense Criticizes Massive Water Pork Bill

Environmental Defense today criticized a massive water resources projects bill passed by the US House of Representatives that fails to enact reforms to curb poor conduct by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The bill was never considered by the House Transportation Committee, and the House leadership allowed no amendments on the floor of the House, so there was never any opportunity for public scrutiny and votes on any of the projects or provisions of the bill individually. Amendments by Congressman Ron Kind (D-WI) to require independent peer review and by Congressman Mark Sanford (R-SC) for higher economic standards were not allowed under a rule.

“Even by the poor standards that govern federal water bills, the massive water resources projects bill passed by the House of Representatives today fails the public trust,” said Tim Searchinger today, senior attorney for Environmental Defense.

“Among the worst provisions,” said Searchinger, “are those that would further subsidize risky beachfront development and the dredging of ports to uneconomical depths. The bill would also direct the Army Corps of Engineers to build even bigger flood control projects than are economically optimal.”

“The Senate has so far refused to accept the rampant abuses in this bill. It is really up to Senator Bob Smith, as chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, to stand firm and not accept the House bill. We urge him to stand firm,” said Searchinger.

“Everglades restoration does not need to move on this bad bill. Congress should attach it to an appropriations bill,” said Searchinger.