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Introduction of Innovative Environmental Strategies Act Washington, D.C.
10/30/1997| Carol M. Browner, Administrator U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Remarks Prepared for Delivery Introduction of Innovative Environmental Strategies Act Washington, DC October 30, 1997 Thank you Senator Lieberman for that introduction. More importantly, thank you for taking this step to increase public health and the environmental protection in ways that make sense for America's businesses -- and for it citizens, as well. Since the day we took office more than four-and-a-half years ago, the Clinton Administration has constantly strived, under Vice President Gore's leadership, to "reinvent" our system of environmental regulation. Our foremost goal, of course, is to protect the public health. That always comes first. But we believe that by working in partnership with businesses and their surrounding communities, we can achieve better environmental results while, at the same time, reducing red tape and bringing more common sense to the system. Our efforts have focused primarily on moving beyond the one-size-fits-all approaches of the past, and seeking to work with industries and challenge them to go beyond what the law requires -- to encourage them to innovate and to try out new approaches -- and to give them the flexibility they need to protect the environment it in an affordable way. In addition, we want people in our communities to have greater opportunities to become more fully involved in the process. Better environmental results, the flexibility to achieve them, and more community involvement -- these are the underpinnings of EPA's Project XL initiative. "XL" stands for excellence and leadership. This cutting-edge program offers companies with a proven track record of environmental performance the opportunity to find cleaner, cheaper, smarter ways of protecting the environment. It is based on a simple notion -- if you have an idea that promises something superior to what could be achieved under the current regulatory system, and if you involve stakeholders in the community, then we will work with you to get you the flexibility needed to put your idea to the test. This approach is at the very heart of the legislation Senator Lieberman is introducing today. By building upon our administrative initiatives, this legislation will provide even more certainty and encouragement to Project XL participants. By doing that, it will enable us to build more of these kinds of partnerships. It will enable us to pilot new approaches to environmental protection. It will enable more companies to join this initiative. It will bring more communities into the process. And, in the end, it will mean a cleaner and healthier environment. This legislation is an example of how we can move forward and change our regulatory system the right way, the most constructive way -- and, most importantly, the way that ensures that public health and the environment are protected. Senator Lieberman, again, thank you for all your hard work on this bill. We look forward to working with you, the states and the stakeholders as you guide it through the legislative process. I believe enactment of this legislation will pay huge dividends in the years to come -- industries that are more competitive, a system of environmental regulation that is more sensible and more effective, and cleaner, healthier communities for future generations of Americans. Thank you. |
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