Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act

Floor Speech

PLATTE RIVER RECOVERY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM AND PATHFINDER MODIFICATION AUTHORIZATION ACT -- (Extensions of Remarks - October 30, 2007)

SPEECH OF HON. ADRIAN SMITH OF NEBRASKA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MONDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2007

* Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman RAHALL, Ranking Member YOUNG, Subcommittee Chairwoman NAPOLITANO, Subcommittee Ranking Member MCMORRIS RODGERS and all of the staff for their work on the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program and Pathfinder Modification Authorization Act.

* It is encouraging to see this longstanding issue finally reach a settlement. After years of study and review by the states, Federal Government, water users, land owners, and other interested parties, the time has come to resolve this matter once and for all.

* I cosponsored this legislation as part of the consensus to recognize the reality of the challenges before us with collective decision-making and cooperation. However, this agreement does impact some of our farmers and ranchers, and we must continue to be cognizant of the impact of the Endangered Species Act. As we move forward with the implementation of the Program, positive and negative economic impacts must be assessed and considered in order to minimize adverse effects of the recovery efforts.

* I support moving forward with this legislation as the first step of many to protect and recover species and provide long-term water use for our communities.

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