.: U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works

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NEW GAO REPORT EXAMINES BURDENS OF FEDERAL MANDATES ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES

May 31, 2007

Contact:

Marc Morano 202-224-5762

Marc_Morano@epw.senate.gov

Matt Dempsey 202-224-9797

matthew_dempsey@epw.senate.gov

NEW GAO REPORT EXAMINES BURDENS OF

FEDERAL MANDATES ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Link to GAO Report

WASHINGTON, DC – Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today commented on a new report by the Government Accounting Office (GAO), “Further Implementation and Better Cost Data Needed to Determine Impact of EPA’s Storm Water Program on Communities”. Senator Inhofe had requested a GAO report on the overall cost of federal clean water act mandates on local communities. Methodological and data issues hindered GAO’s ability to complete the analysis (see GAO report “Federal Water Requirements: Challenges to Estimating the Cost Impact on Local Communities). However, during GAO’s initial investigation, many communities expressed concerns about the stormwater program. This report is an examination of what kind of burdens the federal stormwater program has imposed on communities.

“While I am disappointed more cost data is not available, GAO’s report does provide much needed information about the means communities are using to comply with the program as well as how compliance with one federal clean water act requirement can affect compliance with another.” Senator Inhofe said. “The report clearly shows the program could be imposing cost and implementation burdens on many of our nation’s cities and towns. Further, the GAO report also raises several concerns with EPA’s cost analysis for both the stormwater Phase I and Phase II rules.

“GAO has recommended EPA ensure that communities report consistent information regarding the scope, costs and results of their programs. Clearly more information is needed about all aspects of this national effort. However, EPA should ensure that any new reporting requirements do not add to the burden of our nation’s cities.”

WEB LINKS:

·Web link to GAO Report “Further Implementation and Better Cost Data Needed to Determine Impact of EPA’s Storm Water Program on Communities”[http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-479]

·Web link to GAO report “Federal Water Requirements: Challenges to Estimating the Cost Impact on Local Communities” [http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d06151r.pdf]

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