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Congressman Robert E. Latta
Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
Hearing on the Clean Water Act – Submitted for the Record
October 15, 2009

Good morning.  Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica:

I believe there is an impending crisis in this country in relation to water infrastructure issues.  During my time in Congress one of main priorities has been to assist the local communities in my District with their water infrastructure issues.  It is the main issue I hear over and over from local communities, as they simply do not have the financial means to address regulations that have been placed upon them in relation to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.

Last spring, I sent Administrator Jackson, along with some of my Ohio colleagues, a letter requesting information about the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) and its enforcement of water infrastructure issues in the state.  I was disappointed that the response came from the EPA Chicago Region 5 office rather than from Ms. Jackson herself.  
 
I contacted Ms. Jackson to bring to her attention very serious issues relating to wastewater and drinking water infrastructure facing communities across the state of Ohio.  According to estimates by the Congressional Budget Office, Environmental Protection Agency and the Water Infrastructure Network, it could take between $300 and $400 billion to address our nation’s clean water infrastructure needs over the next 20 years to keep our drinking water and waterways clean and safe.   The need in Ohio is substantial, with an estimated $21 billion needed to adequately address Ohio’s water infrastructure needs.   While this in itself has put undue strain on the budgets of these local communities, many of these Ohio communities are facing serious, expensive enforcement proceedings by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency because they could not afford the upgrades required by law in the first place. 

During these difficult economic times for our country and its citizens, Ohio communities are being put in a very tough situation:  feeling great pressure to comply with regulations while at the same time facing the reality that, in many cases, there simply are not funds available for these communities to fund the projects being mandated upon them. 

To make the best of this situation, I respectfully requested then, and respectfully request now, that Ms. Jackson direct the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to, as appropriate, grant variances so these communities can make the improvements needed to their drinking water and wastewater systems. 

While we all agree that our nation’s health, quality of life, and economic well-being rely on adequate drinking water and wastewater treatment, the current requirements present an undue burden on these Ohio communities during these tough economic times. 

I look forward to continuing to work the Committee and the EPA on this very important issue.  Thank you and I yield back my time. 

Video of Congressman Latta's opening statement can be found here.