Popis: |
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) is currently undergoing an extensive review in both the US House of Representatives and Senate. Congress is under some time pressure in its work, as the program`s taxing authority expires at the end of this year. During the last Congress, a coalition of environmentalists, industry members, and others supported reform legislation. However, the 103rd Congress and the coalition`s efforts ultimately failed for various reasons, including Congressional opposition at that time to including a broad risk assessment measure with the Superfund bill. With the November 1994 election, a Republic majority took over both the House and the Senate, and with it came changes; among the changes were new congressional Committee chairmen. National Ground Water Association staff recently spoke with Congressman Michael G. Oxley (R-OH), the new chairman of the House Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee. This House Subcommittee is responsible for Superfund reauthorization issues. Congressman Oxley will play a key role in any Superfund legislation that is drafted and may eventually pass in the 104th Congress. |