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{This letter from Texas Congressman Joe Barton was read by Jack Godfrey of Godfrey & Sons at the Southwest Drycleaners Association's 90th annual convention in Branson, Missouri, in March, 1997.}
March 12 1997
Dear Southwest Drycleaners Association Annual Member Meeting Attendees:
I offer best wishes as you begin your meeting. As you hold your discussions, I want you to know I am committed to helping our Nation's drycleaners achieve a fairer system of environmental regulation.
Too many honest drycleaners are caught in a confusing, costly and business-threatening web of allegations, liability and lease denials. Much of the blame comes for a misappropriation of Federal Drinking Water standards to situations that clearly are different.
I still believe something must be done. As you know, I introduced legislation in the previous Congress to implement a new cleanup standard, Near the end of the Congress, my subcommittee, the House Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and investigations, held a great hearing exploring the problems drycleaners face in environmental compliance.
I plan to introduce reform legislation again this Congress. Whatever form the legislation takes, I will only introduce a bill that protects your important industry from inappropriate penalties. I am currently working with leaders on the House committees of jurisdiction in order to send the legislation to the floor of the House and on to the Senate.
I hope you will continue to work with me as this progress continues. Many of you have gone to great lengths to educate Members of Congress on this important issue and on my legislation. I thank you for your help and look forward to our future success.
Sincerely,
Joe Barton
Member of Congress
Date created: April 9, 1997 Maintained by: Hal Horning hhorning@pond.com