Testimony of the Honorable Denny Rehberg,
Member of Congress (MT - At Large)
United States Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Subcommittee on Superfund Waste Control and Risk Assessment
June 20, 2002
Thank you Mr. Chairman, for
the opportunity to provide testimony before the Committee today.
Mr. Chairman, I have visited
the Libby community three times within this past year to learn first hand of
the health crisis that has plagued my constituents for more than a decade. At
my invitation, EPA Administrator Christie Whitman joined me for a tour of
Libby, where she had the opportunity to meet with community leaders and
families affected by years of asbestos contamination. Her reaction to the
tragic situation was a common one: she wanted to help.
With each return visit to
the community, it has become increasingly clear to me that this issue reaches
far beyond asbestos, Superfund designation, cleanup, or economic loss. The
situation in Libby is nothing short of a health emergency, spurred on by
corporate greed that has drastically altered the lives of good, hard working
Montanans.
As we analyze the difficult
lessons learned from Libby, Congress cannot lose sight of the residents and
their long-term healthcare needs. As time goes by and as research continues to
offer new information, we may find that the tragedy of Libby is far greater
than currently understood. However, regardless of future discoveries, we must
be relentless in our efforts to clean up the contaminated homes, schools and
businesses and provide a more secure future for the people of Libby, Montana.
During my numerous visits to
Libby, both as their Congressman and as their Lt. Governor, I have pledged my
steadfast commitment to the residents to see this through to the end. And as
the cleanup is completed and the stigma associated with this town fades, it is
incumbent upon the government to continue to assist the individuals whose
health and quality of life have been affected by asbestos exposure.
Mr. Chairman, I appreciate
your efforts in addressing this public health crisis. I look forward to working
with my colleagues in Congress to once and for all bring about a positive
conclusion to the public health nightmare that has plagued the citizens of Libby
for more than a decade and to. ensure that the terrible mistakes that led to
this disaster are, not revisited on any another American community.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.