Ms. Browner, you have been Administrator now for more than 6 years. That's longer than any other Administrator in the 28-year history of EPA. I note that, during that time, you have testified before this committee 19 times, which may be a world record.
During your tenure, we've made a lot of progress. Not only in improving the environment, but also in improving the administration of environmental programs.
Superfund may be the best example.
In 1993, the cleanup program was struggling. Cleanups were too expensive. There was lots of paperwork and precious little cleanup. Today, it's a different picture. The administration has made a series of reforms. Sure, some of these reforms may have occurred because of prodding by this committee, under the leadership of both Senator Lautenberg and Senator Smith. But, whoever gets the credit, the reforms have occurred.
As a result, the Superfund program, while still not perfect, is vastly improved. For example, GAO estimates that, by the end of next year, the remedy selection process will have been completed at 95 percent of the non-federal sites on the National Priority List. In other words, the decisions will have been made, and cleanups will be underway.
EPA also has made progress in other areas, from the new ozone and particulate standards, to implementing the provisions of the 1996 Safe Drinking Water Act, to the new rules for the handling of hazardous waste at cleanup sites.
So I want to compliment our Administrator.
At the same time, a lot of work still needs to be done to improve our environment.
In some cases, this may require creative new approaches.
For this reason, I am particularly interested in the Administration's proposal to create "Better America Bonds," to help communities preserve open space, redevelop polluted land, and control water pollution from runoff.
The proposal has promise. We all talk about using fewer sticks and more carrots, by creating incentives for environmental protection. This bond proposal gives us a chance to put our money where our mouth is.
But I also have questions.
For example, what experience do we have to show that the tax-credit device will attract investors?
What type of projects will qualify?
How will we assure that all regions and states are treated fairly?
How will we assure that the program will supplement, and not displace, local decisions?
At the beginning of a new Congress, as we look for "win-win" solutions that benefit our environment and our economy, I look forward to working on this and other important issues with our Administrator and with the members of our committee.
One last point. We recently learned that the distinguished ranking member of the Superfund Subcommittee, Senator Lautenberg, will be retiring at the end of the Congress.
I hope his decision was not caused by the prospect of another round of Superfund negotiations.
In any event, we on this Committee will be losing a good friend, a strong leader, and a dedicated environmental advocate. Frank Lautenberg was one of the pioneers on Superfund. He wrote the Community Right to Know law. He has worked tirelessly to protect our air, water, and land for future generations.
He will be sorely missed.