First, we provided authority to streamline the NEPA process by requiring the coordination of the Environmental Impact Statements. I was very disturbed to learn that the Department of Transportation believed they were doing a decent job and no new regulations were required to implement a new process. If the members of the Committee and the Congress had not thought that the process was broken, we would not have tried to fix it. I hope that the Administration begins to take the law more seriously and begins to implement the streamlining provisions.
Second, I am disappointed that the Administration has decided not to appeal the Conformity Decision challenging the Atlanta highway projects. At the April 15th Hearing I called for the Administration to either appeal the decision or send Congress legislative language. They failed to appeal the decision. If they fail to send legislative language to Congress, then Mr. Chairman, I am prepared to work with you on developing our own legislation. Failure for the Administration to act is irresponsible and will jeopardize highway projects around the country. If the Administration will not act then we must.