Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, today made the following remarks following the Committee's unanimous approval of a measure to name a stretch of rapids on the Rappahannock River in Virginia for Senator John Warner (R-VA). Senator Warner is retiring from the Senate at the conclusion of the 110th Congress.

Senator Boxer said: "Naming these rapids along this beautiful river is a fitting tribute to Senator Warner, who stands as one of the nation's great conservationists. It has been a distinct honor and a privilege to work with him as a partner on the first global warming legislation ever passed by any congressional committee. John will be deeply missed on both sides of the aisle, but he will continue to be my inspiration as we forge ahead in our effort to protect the planet for future generations."

This bill, introduced by Senator Lieberman, would designate a portion of the Rappahannock River in Virginia as the "John W. Warner Rapids."

Senator Warner was engaged in the conservation and rehabilitation of this river, working with local stakeholders and conservation groups. In 2003, he directly participated in the destruction of Embrey Dam, giving the signal to set off 600 pounds of explosives, allowing more than 1,300 river and stream miles to flow unhindered.

###