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Ford Press Releases - Environment, 1971-1973
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Ford Press Releases - Environment, 1971-1973
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Gerald R. Ford Congressional Papers
Press Releases Subject Files
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The original documents are located in Box D7, folder "Ford Press Releases - Environment,
1971-1973" of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
Copyright Notice
The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of
photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. The Council donated to the United
States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections.
Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public
domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to
remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid
copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library.
5th District only
O Office Capy
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY--
April 8, 1971
Congressman Gerald R. Ford today urged favorable committee action on his bill
or identical bills to ban the unregulated dumping of any materials into the oceans
and the Great Lakes.
Ford made his plea in a statement filed with the Joint Subcommittee on
Fisheries and Wildlife and Oceanography of the House Committee on Merchant Marine
and Fisheries. The subcommittee currently is considering a number of ocean dumping
bills.
Ford's bill would ban the dumping of any material into the oceans and the
Great Lakes while giving the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
the authority to issue dumping permits when, in his judgment, the dumping would
"not unreasonably degrade or unreasonably endanger human health, welfare, or
amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities."
Violators of Ford's proposed Marine Protection Act of 1971 would be subject
to a $50,000 fine or a year in jail. Each day of continuing wilful violations would
be a separate offense.
In his statement to the subcommittee Ford declared:
"There are environmental problems that are far more critical than ocean
dumping. But there is no time better than the present for acknowledging that the
current level of ocean dumping is creating serious environmental damage in some
areas.
"We should recognize now that the volume of wastes dumped in the ocean is
increasing rapidly.
"We should warn ourselves now that a vast new influx of wastes is likely to
occur as municipalities and industries look to the ocean as a convenient spot to
dump their wastes.
"We should view with alarm now the trends indicating that ocean dumping could
become a major, nationwide environmental problem.
"We must act now to safeguard our basic environmental balance by banning
unregulated dumping of any materials into the oceans and by strictly limiting the
ocean disposal of any materials harmful to the environment."
###
BERALD FORD LIBRARY
Digitized from Box D7 of the Ford Congressional Papers: Press Secretary and Speech File at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
NEWS
CONGRESSMAN
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON THURSDAY--
April 8, 1971
Congressman Gerald R. Ford today urged favorable committee action on his bill
or identical bills to ban the unregulated dumping of any materials into the oceans
and the Great Lakes.
Ford made his plea in a statement filed with the Joint Subcommittee on
Fisheries and Wildlife and Oceanography of the House Committee on Merchant Marine
and Fisheries. The subcommittee currently is considering a number of ocean dumping
bills.
Ford's bill would ban the dumping of any material into the oceans and the
Great Lakes while giving the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency
the authority to issue dumping permits when, in his judgment, the dumping would
"not unreasonably degrade or unreasonably endanger human health, welfare, or
amenities, or the marine environment, ecological systems, or economic potentialities."
Violators of Ford's proposed Marine Protection Act of 1971 would be subject
to a $50,000 fine or a year in Jail. Each day of continuing wilful violations would
be a separate offense.
In his statement to the subcommittee Ford declared:
"There are environmental problems that are far more critical than ocean
dumping. But there is no time better than the present for acknowledging that the
current level of ocean dumping is creating serious environmental damage in some
areas.
"We should recognize now that the volume of wastes dumped in the ocean is
increasing rapidly.
"We should warn ourselves now that a vast new influx of wastes is likely to
occur as municipalities and industries look to the ocean as a convenient spot to
dump their wastes.
"We should view with alarm now the trends indicating that ocean dumping could
become a major, nationwide environmental problem.
"We must act now to safeguard our basic environmental balance by banning
unregulated dumping of any materials into the oceans and by strictly limiting the
ocean disposal of any materials harmful to the environment."
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
92nd Congress
July 20, 1971
First Session
Statement Number 6
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT
ON H.R. 9727, A BILL TO CONTROL THE DUMPING OF HARMFUL WASTE
MATERIALS INTO AMERICA'S COASTAL AND OFFSHORE WATERS
The House Republican Policy Committee urgez the immediate consideration
and passage of H.R. 9727, a bill to control the dumping of harmful waste materials
into America's coastal and offshere waters.
In February of 1971, President Nixon forwarded to the Congress a comprehen-
sive and wide-ranging action program to save and enhance the Nation's environment.
Recognizing that the problem of ocean pollution required immediate resolution, the
President recommended (1) a national policy banning unregulated ocean dumping of
all materials and placing strict limits on ocean disposal of any materials harmful
to the environment, and (2) legislation requiring permission of the Administrator
of the Environmental Protection Agency for any materials to be dumped into the
oceans, estuaries, or Great Lakes and authorizing the Administrator to ban dumping
of wastes which are dangerous to the marine ecosystem.
H.R. 9727 incorporates these Administration recommendations. Two
additional provisions are contained in H.R. 9727, as reported by the Committee on
Merchant Marine and Fisheries: Title II authorizes a $6 million research program
on the effects of ocean dumping; and Title III authorizes the establishment of a
system of marine sanctuaries.
(over)
-2-
H.R. 9727 provides the controls necessary to prevent further degradation
of the oceans. Passage of the bill represents the culmination of a major aspect
of the President's campaign to save and enhance our surroundings.
To protect our oceans and coastal waters for the use and enjoyment of
future generations, the House Republican Policy Committee urges the prompt
consideration and passage of H.R. 9727.
5th District news media
House Hallines
affice
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON EDT WEDNESDAY--
July 21, 1971
Rep. Gerald R. Ford and all other Michigan Republicans in the House today intro-
duced a bill aimed at speeding the development of automobile anti-pollution devices by
allowing car manufacturers to work together on them.
The bill introduced by Ford and co-sponsored by the 11 other Michigan GOP congress-
men is identical with a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate July 12 by Sen. Robert P.
Griffin.
The auto manufacturers now are working independently of each other in an effort
to meet Federal auto engine clean air standards set for 1975-76 by the 1970 Clean Air
Act Amendments.
Under a court consent decree issued in 1969, the auto companies are barred from
sharing car engine anti-pollution research discoveries and developments with each other.
The Griffin-Ford bill would have the effect of setting aside this consent decree
on a temporary basis. It would amount to a carefully circumscribed exemption from the
antitrust laws, applicable only to development of auto engine emission control devices.
United Auto Workers President Leonard Woodcock has endorsed this objective.
Woodcock has urged the Justice Department to permit sharing by automotive companies of
their auto engine anti-pollution progress, but the Justice Department has rejected his
proposal.
Said Woodcock in a letter to Attorney General John Mitchell: "There should not be
competition in such vital areas as safety and pollution control. There should not be
added profit for those who can best cut corners and save in these areas. Every car
should be as safe and clean as possible at the lowest possible cost. The labor of a
human being is not an element of competition, neither should the health and safety of
the public be one."
Ford said the competition among the auto companies in the development of anti-
pollution devices involves costly duplication that "makes no sense whatever."
He said 1975 seems far away but that car designs for 1975 must be locked up about
one year from now.
"Meantime," Ford said, "It seems doubtful the automobile manufacturers can meet
the Federal emission standards set by Congress in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970
as long as they have to work independently of each other on this problem. To me it does
not make sense to force the car companies to work in ignorance of each other's research
on the air pollution problem. We want that problem solved as quickly and as economi-
cally as possible, for the good of the American people. If antitrust laws stand in the
way of doing this, then we must enact an exemption from this law in this particular
instance."
Some of the auto manufacturers presently are hopeful of meeting the 1975 emission
standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide set under the 1970 Clean Air Act
Amendments. But none of them sees much chance of meeting the 1976 standard for oxides
of nitrogen.
Said Ford: "Congress has given the auto manufacturers a tough deadline to meet.
Congress should help them meet that deadline. Otherwise the chances are we will just
have to extend the deadline, and I fail to see what good that would accomplish."
###
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
--FOR RELEASE AT 12 NOON EDT WEDNESDAY--
July 21, 1971
Rep. Gerald R. Ford and all other Michigan Republicans in the House today intro-
duced a bill aimed at speeding the development of automobile anti-pollution devices by
allowing car manufacturers to work together on them.
The bill introduced by Ford and co-sponsored by the 11 other Michigan GOP congress-
men is identical with a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate July 12 by Sen. Robert P.
Griffin.
The auto manufacturers now are working independently of each other in an effort
to meet Federal auto engine clean air standards set for 1975-76 by the 1970 Clean Air
Act Amendments.
Under a court consent decree issued in 1969, the auto companies are barred from
sharing car engine anti-pollution research discoveries and developments with each other.
The Griffin-Ford bill would have the effect of setting aside this consent decree
on a temporary basis. It would amount to a carefully circumscribed exemption from the
antitrust laws, applicable only to development of auto engine emission control devices.
United Auto Workers President Leonard Woodcock has endorsed this objective.
Woodcock has urged the Justice Department to permit sharing by automotive companies of
their auto engine anti-pollution progress, but the Justice Department has rejected his
proposal.
Said Woodcock in a letter to Attorney General John Mitchell: "There should not be
competition in such vital areas as safety and pollution control. There should not be
added profit for those who can best cut corners and save in these areas. Every car
should be as safe and clean as possible at the lowest possible cost. The labor of a
human being is not an element of competition, neither should the health and safety of
the public be one."
Ford said the competition among the auto companies in the development of anti-
pollution devices involves costly duplication that "makes no sense whatever."
He said 1975 seems far away but that car designs for 1975 must be locked up about
one year from now.
"Meantime," Ford said, "It seems doubtful the automobile manufacturers can meet
the Federal emission standards set by Congress in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1970
as long as they have to work independently of each other on this problem. To me it does
not make sense to force the car companies to work in ignorance of each other's research
on the air pollution problem. We want that problem solved as quickly and as economi-
cally as possible, for the good of the American people. If antitrust laws stand in the
way of doing this, then we must enact an exemption from this law in this particular
instance."
Some of the auto manufacturers presently are hopeful of meeting the 1975 emission
standards for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide set under the 1970 Clean Air Act
Amendments. But none of them sees much chance of meeting the 1976 standard for oxides
of nitrogen.
Said Ford: "Congress has given the auto manufacturers a tough deadline to meet.
Congress should help them meet that deadline. Otherwise the chances are we will just
have to extend the deadline, and I fail to see what good that would accomplish."
###
IIIII
IIIIIII.
U. S. HOUSE
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
92nd Congress
October 26, 1971
First Session
Statement Number 12
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON H.R. 10729,
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PESTICIDE CONTROL ACT OF 1971
The House Republican Policy Committee urges the enactment of H.R. 10729,
the Environmental Pesticide Control Act of 1971.
H.R. 10729 provides an effective system for the control of the manufacture,
distribution and use of pesticides. While providing for the protection and
enhancement of our environment, the bill recognizes the need for farmers and
ranchers to provide the general public with safe, reasonably-priced food and fiber,
and the necessity for protecting public health against a host of pests.
The key provisions of H.R. 10729 are:
(1) the establishment of a coordinated Federal-State administrative
system to control the application of pesticides, the Federal
Government to set nationwide program standards, the States to
certify and supervise pesticide applications;
(2) expanded research and monitoring to find new and better
methods and materials for controlling pests; and
(3) revision of administrative procedures for pesticide regis-
tration, cancellation or suspension.
H.R. 10729, responding to and reflecting the recommendations of the Nixon
Administration, represents a major advance in the protection of our environment
while balancing the necessary and lawful use of pesticides for agricultural, public
health and animal disease control. The House Republican Policy Committee strongly
supports its passage.
IIIII
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY
COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
bas Inamedade salon sovelve bris entwiedeb
10
10 at
92nd Congress
February 29, 1972
Second Session
Statement Number 2
10 HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON H.R. 11021,
THE NOISE CONTROL ACT OF 1972
to
brie
B
The House Republican Policy Committee supports the passage of H.R. 11021,
the Noise Control Act of 1972.
In February of 1971, President Nixon forwarded to the Congress recommenda-
tions to "provide a method for measurably reducing major noise sources, while
preserving to State and local governments the authority to deal with their particu-
lar noise problems." In furtherance of the President's program, H.R. 11021, has
been reported by the House Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce. The
proposed legislation would expand and coordinate Federal efforts to control the
emmission of noise detrimental to the health and welfare of the American people.
The Environmental Protection Agency is given the primary responsibility
for implementing the legislation. Its functions would include:
1) The development and dissemination of information on noise and
its effects on health and welfare,
2) the identification and determination of standards for major
sources of noise, such as construction equipment, transportation
equipment and equipment powered by internal combustion engines,
3) the establishment of labeling requirements for designated
products or classes of products, and
4) the coordination of Federal efforts relating to noise
research and control.
(over)
-2-
Recognizing that centralized administration and enforcement of local
noise limits would be unmanageable, local units of government retain the power
to determine and enforce noise abatement and control levels. Federal action
is limited to identification of noise sources and promulgation of feasible noise
standards for specific products.
H.R. 11021, the Noise Control Act of 1972, provides for that degree of
noise abatement and control which is appropriate and adequate at this time.
It represents a comprehensive and effective approach to the growing problem of
noise. detrimental to the human environment. The House Republican Policy
Committee urges its passage.
IIIII
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
10
Hade benwo
vistiduq box 10 nots
92nd Congress
March 21, 1972
Second Session besed Hada Statement Number 3
Institute
Jon
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON H. R. 11396.
it Jon of 9JBBW
THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1972
lo (S)
The House Republican Policy Committee supports the passage of
H. R. 11896, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972.
Recognizing the tragic scope of the Nation's water pollution problems--
a Potomac River unsafe to touch"--Lake Erie, a 'Dead Sea"-the Hudson River
reaching pollution levels 170 times the established safe limits--and responding
to President Nixon's urgent call for a massive and multi-pronged attack against
the ever-increasing devastation of our environment, the House Public Works
Committee has reported a comprehensive water pollution control bill designed
to restore and maintain the chemical, physical and biological integrity of
the Nation's waters.
The stated policies of H. R. 11896 are to prohibit the discharge of
toxic pollutants in toxic amounts, provide financial assistance to communities
to construct waste treatment facilities, increase research and development,
expand regional and basin planning and management programs, and improve adminis-
trative procedures of water pollution control programs. These policies, if
implemented, would require major commitments of Federal funds, a four year
estimate of $24.5 billion.
(over)
- 2 -
Principal provisions of the proposed legislation are:
(1) Not later than January 1, 1976, effluent limitations from point
sources, other than publicly owned treatment works, shall require the applica-
tion of the best practical control technology currently available, and publicly
owned treatment works shall achieve effluent limitations based upon secondary
treatment not later than January 1, 1976, and provide for the best practical
waste treatment technology to be employed not later than January 1, 1981;
(2) Promulgation by the Environmental Protection Agency of effluent
standards for toxic pollutants and pretreatment standards to be met prior to
the introduction of pollutants into publicly owned treatment works;
(3) For new sources of pollution, the Environmental Protection
Agency shall promulgate Federal standards to effect the greatest degree of
effluent reduction achievable by the best available demonstrated control
methods;
(4) Authorization of $18 billion in Federal assistance--distributed
upon the basis of need-for construction of publicly owned waste treatment works,
including sewage collection systems, for fiscal years 1973-1975, and authoriza-
tion of $2.75 billion to reimburse States and municipalities for the unpaid
Federal share of the cost of approved publicly owned treatment works
constructed after 1956;
(5) A $462 million authorization for research, development and
training;
(6) A seven-fold increase--to $135 million--in grants to expand and
improve State water pollution control programs.
- 3 -
(7) A requirement of user charges to be paid to, and for the use of,
the operating agency (a) to assure that recipients of waste treatment services
pay their shares of the costs of operation, maintenance, and expansion of
waste treatment facilities, and (b) for payment by industrial users of that
portion of the Federal share of the cost of construction of publicly owned
treatment works which is allocable to the treatment of their waste;
(8) Programs totalling $550 million to assist area-wide waste
treatment management; and
(9) Measures to facilitate, strengthen and streamline enforcement
of control requirements, including a Federal-State permits system for
discharge.
H. R. 11896 represents a substantial commitment to the protection
and enhancement of our surroundings; its new and far-reaching programs will
make possible giant strides in the campaign to strengthen, expand and
accelerate the Nation's water pollution control efforts. The House Republican
Policy Committee urges its passage.
IIIII IIIIIII
U. S. HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE
1616 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
TELEPHONE 225-6168
REP. JOHN J. RHODES, (R.-ARIZ.) CHAIRMAN
10
93rd Congress
April 9, 1973
First Session
Statement #5
HOUSE REPUBLICAN POLICY COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON H.R. 3298,
A BILL TO RESTORE THE RURAL WATER AND WASTE DISPOSAL GRANTS
PROGRAM ADMINISTERED BY THE FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION
The House Republican Policy Committee supports President Nixon's veto of
H.R. 3298, a bill to restore the Farmers Home Administration rural water and sewer
grant program.
The action of the House on this bill will provide another public test of
the President's policy of controlling government spending by eliminating
overlapping government services, a policy designed to save all Americans from
the twin scourges of inflation and higher taxes.
H.R. 3298 purports to mandate the expenditure of approximately $120 million
in water and waste grants through the Farmers Home Administration in Fiscal
Year 1973 and up to $330 million annually each year thereafter. The President
has outlined effective alternatives to the mandatory spending which would be
imposed by this bill. First, a portion of the $5 billion in grants for waste
disposal facilities funded through the Environmental Protection Agency during
FY 1973 and FY 1974 is available to small towns. Second, the President has
announced his intention to use the Rural Development Insurance Fund to pro-
vide qualified rural communities with low interest insured loans for sewer
purposes. In addition, the President has pointed out that the FY 1974 budget
(OVER)
is LIBRAR. GERALD
- 2 -
provides $345 million in Rural Development Act loan funds for water supply
systems in rural areas.
Rural development statutes currently authorize the Secretary of Agriculture
to make grants and loans for water and waste disposal systems and grants for
comprehensive area long-range water and sewer planning. Since its enactment
eight years ago, the program this bill proposes to mandate has been duplicated
by other Federal assistance efforts. Under the Clean Water Act, for example,
communities may obtain more advantageous grants for construction of waste
treatment plants. Also, water systems may be financed from shared federal
revenues appropriately distributed by state and local determination. In
addition, the Farmers Home Administration loan program is available to those
communities unable otherwise to obtain necessary financing for construction
or repair of water systems.
In the interests of maintaining a sane fiscal policy and a sound economy,
the House Republican Policy Committee supports President Nixon's veto of
H.R. 3293.
CONGRESSMAN
NEWS
GERALD R. FORD
HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER
RELEASE
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--
April 11, 1973
Statement by Rec. Gerald R. Ford
I approve of the Environmental Protection Agency decision to give the auto
industry a one-year delay in meeting the 1975 anti-pollution standards.
This is 8 decision which is in the best interests of the consumer. It would
have been most unwise to foist untested and highly expensive catalytic converters
on the auto-buying public simply to be able to say we had met the deadline.
As for Ralph Nader's charge that the Administration sold out to the automobile
manufacturers, this is nothing short of ridiculous. There is absolutely no basis
for such a charge. It is the public which would have had to pay for unwise
insistence on the 1975 deadline, not the auto manufacturers.
######