From: National Office
Date: January/February 1997 (current to February 28, 1997)
The National Office is pleased to provide you with the first Legislative Udpate for 1997 and the 105th Congress. Following are instructions on how to use this Update, as well as a listing of those bills currently being tracked by the National Office. The Legisative Update is a monthly service of the Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies.
Committee Assignments Still Up in the Air
Committee assignments still have not been fianlized for members of the 105th Congress. Last week, several additional seats were created on the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, bringing the total number of members to 73, by far the House's largest committee. Representative Bud Shuster (R-PA) will again serve as the Chair of the Committee and Representative Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY) wil return as chair of the Water Resources Subcommittee. Republicans have completed their assignments to the committee, while Democrats still have three seats to fill. When all slots are filled, subcommittee assignements will be made. It remains to be seen who will serve on the Water Resources & Environment Subcommittee, with which AMSA works most closely.
On the Senate side, Senator John Chafee (R-RI) will continue as Chair of the Environment & Public Works Committee, and retain jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act at the full committee level.
Agendas Focus on ISTEA, Superfund
According to Hill staffers and trade press accounts, movement of a Clean Water Act reauthorization bill is not a high priority for 1997 and may not event become one during the 105th Congress. This, however, does not preclude groundwork from being laid in the form of hearings and negotiation of key issues. There is some talk of a House wetlands hearing, possibly as early as March, 1997. Significant action is expected on the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA), Superfund, and the Endangered Species Act. House and Senate Committees have already held hearings, and more are scheduled for this week, to discuss reauthorization of ISTEA and Superfund. Neither Chamber has introudced legislation on ISTEA and so far, with the introduction of S.8 on January 21, on the Senate has a comprehensive Superfund bill. Reports are circulating that Senators Chafee and Kempthorne (R-ID) are close the introducing Endangered Species Act reforms.
Beneficial Use Targeted in H.R.289
H.R.289 sponsored by Representative Jose Serrano (D-Bronx-NY) proposes amendments to the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act to require labeling of all crops, livestock, or poultry raised on land on hwich "sewage sludge" was applied within one year of product sale. The National Office has been in contact with Washington representatives for the City of New York and has set a meetting with staff to Representative Serrano in early March. The National Office plans to respond to a statement made in the "Dear Colleague" letter circulated by the Representative that cites the "indeterminate nature of the content of sewage sludge." The legislation has been referred to the House Committees on Commerce and Agriculture. No immediate action is anticipated and we will keep the membership apprised as developments occur.
AMSA Legislative Strategy Session
A Legislative Strategy Session will be held on March 6 and 7, in Washington, DC to set the Assocation's strategy for addressing major legislative initatives, including Clean Water Act reauthorization, Superfund reauthorization and municipal privatization during the 105th Congress. Also on the agenda are the Association's draft proposed amendments to the Clean Water Act promoting watershed management and an initiative entitled "Why Watersheds?" which is being developed to encourage watershed planning in legislation and regulations.
The National Office will continue to keep members informed of all significant developments through Legislative Alerts and monthly Updates. If you have any questions regarding any legislative initiatives, please contact Paula Dannenfeldt (202/833-4654) or Christy Kettell (202/833-3692).