We must do much better than that in the Coeur d Alene Basin. The money was to be distributed by the Coeur d'Alene River Basin Commission, which consists of state, local, tribal, federal, and other representatives. The Commission would decide how best to spend the money. Groups like the ICL that have opposed my cleanup efforts in the area mistakenly argue that I'm only helping the mining companies and that the federal government should not pay for the Basin cleanup. Let me make this perfectly clear the federal funds I am seeking would be in addition to, not instead of, money from the mining companies.
Mining companies do have liability for their fair share of the cleanup and restoration costs.
The appropriate liability shares will be resolved in court in January. My proposal, in fact, does not absolve mining companies of any liability. Securing money toward cleanup now, rather than waiting years for further legal tussles, is the most responsible way to protect public health and the environment from any real threats. The columnist also asserts that the current Superfund process will result in a full, effective cleanup. With history as a guide and Superfund s expensive obstructionism still in place, such a cleanup is, at best, A reasonable public voice should be and is being heard in this matter many during the several congressional hearings I have held in North Idaho on the matter.