Saltwater intrusion kills 100's of acres of upland forest area adjacent to the EEP sites. Congress is itching to go home and campaign for November's election. But, before they do, they must pass legislation to fund federal agencies or risk a government shutdown. Unfortunately, as in previous years, some in Congress exploit this opportunity and attach dozens of anti-environmental Riders. Anti-environmental riders, the legislative equivalent of masked bandits, have descended on Congress again.
Riders are amendments slipped into annual appropriations bills.
Defense, environmental protection, foreign policy - crucial government functions like these cannot proceed unless Congress approves funding each year. It comes in the form of riders - sometimes just a sentence or two hidden in a huge bill. Some members of Congress use riders to create loopholes, hamstring regulators and researchers, and otherwise deliver special favors to special interests - no hearings, no public debate. Some four dozen anti-environmental riders are in play right now. And I'll be happy to stay here until Election Day.