"While I intend for Resources Committee Democrats to participate in the work of this task force, I would like to make it clear that in my view NEPA is under siege from a variety of avenues, including through administrative rulemakings, policy directives and legislation involving our Nation’s forests, public lands, oceans, and in the transportation arena.

    " NEPA is often referred to as the ‘Magna Carta’ of our Nation’s environmental laws. The fundamental aspects of NEPA–public input and the consideration of alternatives to major federal actions–provide full disclosure of the potential impacts of proposed development projects on America and its citizens.

     "In my view, it is the right of every American to expect major federal actions to be subject to scrutiny and review, and for alternatives to be considered. The American way is not ‘it is my way or the highway’, but rather to be offered options and choices.

     "Certainly, all federal laws should be reviewed by the Congress. That is part of our oversight responsibility. As such, with respect to NEPA, I would expect the task force to also examine instances in which the law has been undermined and the impacts it is having on the values and resources we cherish as Americans."