Fight continues over control of Missouri River

An Iowa Congressman characterizes it as a battle between rampant environmentalism and common sense. Republican Tom Latham says the U-S House today will consider the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill, which seeks to keep administration democrats from tampering with the Missouri River.The bill may be vetoed by President Clinton because it would prohibit new regulations on the Missouri, which would cause springtime flooding in western Iowa. Latham says western Iowa could see serious problems if the bill is killed by the President.He says property and lives could be jeopardized. Navigation and shipping could also see a negative impact. Latham says the Clinton administration is also trying to reduce the amount of power generated upriver on the Missouri. He says northwest Iowa depends on that energy.Latham says “it’s something we’re going to fight for to protect northwest Iowa and the Missouri River.”