25 



So, not putting this as a defense of the commission idea, obvious- 

 ly I want to make certain this time around that we have the de- 

 partment elevated, too. If that is a tremendously unpopular thing, 

 well, I still think it is a good idea and we are going to fight for it. 

 But it remains a problem. 



I don't know how you deal with that. That is more a statement 

 than a question, I realize, but would you address that briefly? 



Ms. Browner. Mr. Chairman, I think your point about looking 

 internally to EPA initially is well taken. It is important, I think, 

 before you seek to begin discussions with other agencies on how to 

 resolve some of these overlaps and duplications that you make sure 

 your own house is in order. So we would welcome the opportunity 

 to work with the Commission and work with the Committees to 

 look at the structure internal to EPA as a very, very important 

 first step. 



I would also add that I think there are discussions and processes 

 being put in place on a voluntary basis smiong other members of 

 the President's Cabinet to try and deal with some of the issues that 

 you make reference to. Four of the Cabinet agencies have agreed to 

 meet on a monthly basis, the head of the agencies themselves, with 

 their staff meeting on a weekly basis to have discussions to facili- 

 tate communication, where perhaps communication has not existed 

 before. 



A lot of the problems that can occur in these areas can probably 

 be solved through enhanced communication at all levels of the 

 agency, from the top on down. You have had communication at 

 lower levels, but you have not always had good communication at 

 the higher levels. We are really hoping to set an example for the 

 employees of all of our agencies about working together in a coUe- 

 gial manner, respecting each other's jurisdiction but recognizing 

 that each agency brings a certain expertise to the table that can be 

 used in conjunction with the expertise of another agency. 



Chairman Glenn. Since we have several members here, we are 

 on a 6-minute rule this morning here, just for everybody's informa- 

 tion here. Senator Roth. 



Senator Roth. Mr. Chairman, it is my pleasure to welcome Sena- 

 tor McCain here as a new member. I understand he has a further 

 commitment, so if I could, with your permission, yield 3 minutes of 

 my time to Senator McCain? 



Chairman Glenn. Fine. 



OPENING STATEMENT OF SENATOR McCAIN 



Senator McCain. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Welcome, Ms. Browner. I just want to focus on one issue with 

 you today. 



There is a segment of our Nation for whom the standard of effec- 

 tive environmental protection is not being met, and for whom 

 growing environmental problems are ominously adding to the often 

 bleak quality of life they face. In the United States, Indian tribes 

 and the lands upon which they live are not receiving an adequate 

 level of assistance and attention from the EPA. 



