9 



Additionally, I support the concept of the mitigation banking. 

 However, while I agree on the principle, I want to assure that 

 sound science is the backbone of this policy. We must work to 

 ensure that the artificial wetlands create the same type of environ- 

 mental sanctuary and benefit that true wetlands provide. 



I am confident that these hearings and investigations will supply 

 the information I need to make final evaluation on the success of 

 mitigation banking, and I look forward to the testimony given here 

 today and to the continued continuing evaluation of the adminis- 

 tration's wetlands policy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Studds. The gentlewoman from California. 



STATEMENT OF HON. ANNA G. ESHOO, A U.S. REPRESENTATIVE 

 FROM CALIFORNIA 



Ms. EsHOO. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for having this very im- 

 portant hearing, and to those who are here to represent the admin- 

 istration and the work that you have put into their issue in bring- 

 ing it forward to us. 



I want to be very brief. I served for 10 years before coming here 

 on the Bay Conservation and Development Commission in the San 

 Francisco Bay area which is really an extraordinary national 

 model. Of course, one of our jurisdictions was wetlands. 



Over this weekend, I went to a constituent's memorial service. 

 As I expressed my sympathy to the widow, she said to me, "I didn't 

 realize what I had, until he was gone." 



If I might draw a correlation between that occasion and today, I 

 think it is very important for us to formulate a new national policy 

 so that we won't be looking over our shoulders and saying we 

 regret what we lost and didn't appreciate it when we had it. 



I applaud the administration, the leadership of our President on 

 this issue. We need to move away from political definitions and 

 move to a scientific one. Put in place a process that local and State 

 governments will have regard for, policies that will engender ap- 

 preciation for our wetlands in this Nation by everyone. I look for- 

 ward to working with you to make this a reality. 



Thank you. 



Mr. Studds. The gentleman from Maryland. 



STATEMENT OF HON. WAYNE T. GILCHREST. A U.S. 

 REPRESENTATIVE FROM MARYLAND 



Mr. GiLCHREST. Thank you very much. I want to welcome every- 

 one here this morning. The opening statements, I think, have been 

 very useful so far. I did not hear my colleague from North Caroli- 

 na, but I am sure his statement was fine as well. I hope we can 

 begin to understand the integration of the wetlands policy, the bio- 

 logical survey and the Clean Water Act and everything else. On 

 that note, I look forward to your testimony. Thank you. 



Mr. Studds. Without objection the statement of the distinguished 

 gentleman from Texas will appear in the record. 



[The statement of Mr. Fields follows:] 



