STATEMENT OF SENATOR MAX BAUCUS
Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
July 14, 1999

Mr. Chairman, I am glad you have called this hearing to investigate the many issues surrounding conformity. Air quality and transportation planning must go hand in hand. There is no doubt about that. The Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 re-emphasized and strengthened that connection.

But, we have to make sure that they work together in a common sense and reliable way. We don't want the increased funding we provided in TEA-21 to go to waste and we don't want to worsen air quality or public health.

The recent court decision and the Administration's new regulations on conformity seem to be causing some uncertainty. I hope we can help clear that up today and chart a course that makes the conformity process work for everyone. I am committed to making sure that it can and does.