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Attorneys General Briefing, 3/13/89
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MASTERII
015345
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
DATE: 3/11/89
---
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
SUBJECT:
MARCH 13, 1989
(3/10 - 9:00 p.m. draft)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
BENNETT
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Blessey)
1909 MAR 10 March P.I 9: 10, 1989
$500 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
doing lately, I know we're fighting the same battles.
The two comprehensive reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my ágenda for the
future, to build a better America.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together -- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for study has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
2
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
I will work closely with you on those environmental
questions where we share responsibility. We need to step up the
Superfund clean-up process, and improve enforcement. Together,
we must assure compliance with hazardous waste laws.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those most
serious cases where we must move beyond civil penalties, toward
criminal enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will outline in detail our
agenda on the environment. You will certainly find him -- today,
and over the course of this Administration -- to be an
outstanding ally and fellow soldier in the struggle.
But before I hand over the podium, I want to enlist your
support on another pervasive problem: the war on drugs.
3
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
You know, drugs are like chemical weapons that a society
turns on itself. They breed the most insidious forms of domestic
terrorism. And they will be stopped.
The budget I presented to Congress last month is a
realistic, fiscally responsible plan that identifies key
priorities requiring our immediate attention. One of these
priorities is combating the scourge of drugs. That's why I'm
asking for $1 billion in new outlays for our anti-drug program.
That's a 47 percent increase over 1988 -- for a total of $6
billion in budget authority for 1990.
Most of that money -- 70 percent of it -- will beef up
federal enforcement; provide grants to state and local law
enforcement agencies; and build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
4
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "blueprint" for drug
control strategies broadens the goals of enforcement. You say
that reducing demand must be "the ideological cornerstone of any
coherent drug enforcement policy" -- and you're right.
Enforcement strategies must look beyond effects, to causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no." But we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how -- to say no.
I ask you to continue looking closely at your drug
enforcement programs. How can they help reduce demand? Less
demand means more success in the war on drugs. And to the extent
you can cut demand, you can make your jobs -- my job -- and those
of everyone involved in law enforcement -- a whole lot more
rewarding.
Our financial resources may be limited, but our resolve is
unlimited. With that limitless resolve, I know we can inspire
every child, teacher, and parent; every community group,
religious institution, and tenant association; and every business
5
and professional organization in this country. And then, united
in common resolve, we will truly be invincible.
As I've said before, we have more will than wallet. But the
only limits on our will are the limits we place on ourselves.
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
Let me now introduce Bill Reilly, Administrator of the
E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges between people -- he's
even been called "The Great Includer."
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
LANGE/BLESSEY
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
March 13, 1989
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
TO THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
Roosevelt Room
10:02 A.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Well, I am just delighted to see this
illustrious group here. I wanted you to meet Bill Reilly, who is our
Administrator of the EPA, and a man whose reputation many of you know
about. And I've prepared just a few remarks that I want to make on
the -- a couple of subjects where this group has been out front. And
when I finish, Bill will say a few words.
I would ask your forebearance. I just couldn't pull
myself away from watching the Discovery take off, and it's now
airborne and appears to be going well, so I think that is always a
rather tense moment. But the flight is underway.
I would say to Bob and everybody else that this
Association, as I look at your agenda, it's clear to me that this
Association and the White House are fighting the same battles and on
the same agenda. Your reports on environmental protection and also
on drug control strategies got you way out front on these two issues.
And I think it's a good thing. And we are determined to have those
as two prominent agenda items right here in the White House.
Now, the approaches that you've taken reinforce my
conviction that, together, where we have these shared concerns, we're
going to find solutions and we've got to find state and federal roles
that work. We're going to apply limited resources -- and, again, I
wish they weren't as limited, particularly in these two areas. But
we've got to apply the limited resources in a coordinated manner.
At the federal level, I'm convinced that on many issues
the time for study has passed -- on these environmental issues, and I
know that Bill agrees with me. So we are proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act, and I want to work with the Congress
on a comprehensive acid rain program. And, again, I think working
with you all we can do a lot of throwing the book at those who
engaged in illegal ocean dumping.
Bill is just back from a highly successful international
conference that was opened by Margaret Thatcher in the U.K., and he
can tell you perhaps a little about what went on there. But in these
broad areas of global warming we've got to do better, and we will.
2 -
In a few minutes, as I say, Bill will give a little more
detail on our environmental agenda, and you will see in him what I
have seen, that he is an expert here, an outstanding ally and a
fellow soldier in this struggle. He also understands the differences
between the state responsibility and the federal, but the need to
work together.
So let me just touch on the other subject that I
mentioned upfront before turning this over to him. We've got to see
that the great cities, indeed some of rural America, that they are no
longer held hostage to the crack dealers. Our schools must not be
locked in a state of seige. And, you know, drugs are like a chemical
weapons that a society turns on itself. And they breed the most
insidious forms of domestic terrorism. And they've got to be stopped
and we've got to VOW that they will be stopped.
The budget that I sent up to the Congress a few weeks ago
is a realistic, fiscally responsible plan that identifies key
priorities requiring our immediate attention. One of these
priorities is combatting the scourge of drugs. And that's why I am
asking for $1 billion in new outlays for the antidrug program.
That's a 47 percent increase over 1988, for a total of $6 billion in
budget authority for 1990. Most of that money, 70 percent of it,
will beef up federal enforcement, provide grants to state and local
law enforcement agencies, build up our prosecution, detentions, and
intelligence-gathering strength.
As chief legal officers, you know about enforcement. And
you know how vital it is. And as my budget makes clear, I wanted to
vote unprecedented resources to enforcement. But clearly, we've got
to do more. This war won't be won by police work alone. Where
there's demand, supply will always rise to meet it. And where
there's no demand, supply is useless. And that's why I was glad to
see your Blueprint for Drug Control Strategy broadens the goals of
enforcement.
You say reducing demand must be the ideological
cornerstone of any coherent drug enforcement policy. And you're
right -- enforcement strategies must look beyond effects to causes.
Drug education, treatment, prevention, provide our best hope for
long-term solution, especially with the kids -- especially with our
kids. And we need to tell them, of course, to say no, but we've also
got to give them the wisdom to know why and the skills to know how to
say no.
I want to ask you to continue looking closely at these
drug enforcement programs. How can they help reduce demand? Less
demand means more success on the war on drugs and, to the extent you
can cut demand, you can make your jobs, my job, and those of everyone
involved a whole lot more rewarding.
Our financial resources may be limited, but our resolve
is unlimited. And with that limitless resolve, I know that we can
inspire every child, teacher, and parent, every community group,
religious institution, and tenant association, and every business and
professional organization in this country, and then, united in common
resolve, we will be truly invincible.
- 3 -
After meeting with the big group we went into a small
meeting room and talked to the agents themselves, those that were
undercover. And one of them explained it to me this way. It used to
be if there was a drug bust people would say "police", or "DEA" or
"FBI", or whatever it is, and the bad guys would stop what they were
doing and, you know, submit to arrest. Now the culture has changed
-- the bad guys turn around and start shooting. And so it really
drove home to me the need to support these enforcement officers with
changes in the law and whatever else it's going to take. The penalty
in some areas for killing a policeman is the same as being caught
with "x" ounces of drugs on you. And so how can there be any
incentive if we don't have some differentiation.
This is your business; you know this. But we would
welcome recommendations to our Attorney General and to the White
House on how best to effect the kind of changes that are going to be
necessary in that aspect of the problem.
Now back to the first agenda item the environment.
Bill has got a good way of building bridges between people. He's the
first kind of certified environmentalist to be in this important post
and he's been called the "Great Includer." You can figure that our
when you listen to him, but he's devoted his career really to
protecting our land, air and water. He has my complete confidence.
I expect when you've dealt with him for a while he'll have yours. I
ask that you give him your full cooperation because, again, like the
whole question of the second agenda item, this first one, the
environment and the need to preserve it and to hand our kids
something a little better than we found, is absolute priority.
So with no further ado and the only regret that I won't
have a chance to visit more informally with each and every one of
you, thanks for coming. And let me introduce you to Bill Reilly, who
I know will have your full support.
Bill, all yours. (Applause.)
END
10:13 A.M. EST
015345SS
MASTERI
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
3/9/89
3/10/89 10:00 AM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
SUBJECT:
ATTORNEYS GENERAL
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT out of the country
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
BENNETT
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
by 10:00 AM, Friday, March 10, 1989, with an info copy to my
office. Sorry for the short turnaround. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
!
(Lange/Blessey)
March 9, 1989
1989 MAR -9 PM 5:49
4:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
fellow warriors
doing lately, I know I'm among kindred spirits.
brothens-in-arm
Comprehensive
check
The two outstanding reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my agenda for the
future.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together -- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for debate study has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
2
^
Where dumping of medical waste is concerned, vou may
remember my pledge to end the era of the needle on the beach.
Well, we just took the first step. EPA has just established a
Thate
medical waste tracking system, to ensure that waste goes to
proper disposal facilities.
This pilot program will apply to medical facilities of all
sizes. Some nine states have already agreed to participate.
Those of you who haven't, yet -- let me encourage you to contact
E.P.A. this month, and get on board in this important effort.
[INSERT CAVEAT MERE]
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
H
MOVED
up
This government will work closely with you on those
respons, bilities.
V MOVED
environmental questions that only have shared answers. We need
DOWN
to step up the Superfund clean-up process, and improve
enforcement. Together, we must assure compliance with hazardous
regulatingoverning
waste laws and encourage strict enforcement of pesticide use.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those
cases where we must move bevond civil penalties, toward criminal
enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
3
outline m detail our agenda
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will give you his thinking on
on the environment. You will certainly find him -- today, and over
the course of this Administration -- to be an outstanding ally
and fellow soldiers in the struggle.
But before I hand over the podium, I want to turn your
attention to and enlist your support for on another pervasive
problem: the war on drugs.
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
Gardane
2702
-"ok"
turns on itself. They 7
you how, drugs are like that a taday society
Thank
No. Together are going to ban this chemical weaponr
C.2t
LIC breeds the most insidious form of domestic terrorism. And they
will be stopped.
In the budget I presented to Congress last month -- a
budget, by the way, that was the first Executive budget in quite
west
a while not pronounced "d.o.a." on Capitol Hill -- I've pushed
&
for an increase of $1 billion for our anti-drug program. That's
in new outlogs
(PINK)
47
percent increase over 1988, for a total of $6 billion.
on brdget anthority
Most of that money -- 70 percent of it -- will go toward
grants to state and local law enforcement agencies, to beef up
federal enforcement, and to build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
4
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "Blueprint for Drug
Control Strategies" looks beyond enforcement, to strategies for
cutting the drug problem off at the knees -- beyond effects, to
causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no." But we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how -- to say no.
Let me encourage vou to continue looking closely at your drug
I work you to
enforcement programs. Consider how they can help reduce demand
Less deward means more success on the win ondrugo.
for drugs. To the extent you can do that, vou can make your jobs
-- my job -- and those of everyone involved in law enforcement --
a whole lot easier.
more rewarding.
Our Sinancial resources may be limited W but our resolve is not.
unlimited.
5
With that limitless resolution, I know we con mspire
Our task is to win the hearts and minds of every child, teacher,
and parent; every community group, religious institution, and
tenant association; and every business and professional
organization in this country. and then, united in common resolve
we will turly binume, ble.
However, the on ly limits on our will are those limits we place on ourselves
as I have said before we have more will than wallet.
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
introduce
Let me now turn this party over to Bill Reilly --
Administrator of the E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges
between people -- he's even been called "The Great Includer."
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
FINAL
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
WASHINGTON, D.C.
THANK YOU... I'M VERY HAPPY TO BE HERE.
JUDGING FROM THE KIND OF WORK THIS ASSOCIATION HAS
BEEN DOING LATELY, I KNOW WE'RE FIGHTING THE SAME
BATTLES.
- 2 -
THE TWO COMPREHENSIVE REPORTS YOU ADOPTED THIS
WINTER -- ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, AND ON DRUG
CONTROL STRATEGIES -- PUT YOU OUT FRONT ON TWO ISSUES
THAT ARE CENTRAL TO MY AGENDA FOR THE FUTURE, TO BUILD
A BETTER AMERICA.
THE APPROACHES YOU'VE TAKEN REINFORCE MY CONVICTION
THAT, TOGETHER -- ON EVERY FRONT WHERE WE HAVE SHARED
CONCERNS -- WE'RE GOING To FIND SOLUTIONS. WE'RE GOING
TO DEFINE STATE AND FEDERAL ROLES THAT WORK.
- 3 -
AND WE'RE GOING TO APPLY LIMITED RESOURCES IN A
COORDINATED MANNER.
AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL, ON MANY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES,
I THINK THE TIME FOR STUDY HAS PASSED. So I'M
PROPOSING LEGISLATION To REAUTHORIZE THE CLEAN AIR AcT.
I WANT TO WORK WITH CONGRESS ON A COMPREHENSIVE ACID
RAIN PROGRAM. AND I INTEND TO THROW THE BOOK AT THOSE
WHO ENGAGE IN ILLEGAL OCEAN DUMPING.
- 4 -
OVER THE LAST DECADE, THE STATES HAVE TAKEN ON A
LEADERSHIP ROLE IN PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT -- AND
THAT'S GOOD NEWS.
I WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH YOU ON THOSE ENVIRONMENTAL
QUESTIONS WHERE WE SHARE RESPONSIBILITY. WE NEED TO
STEP UP THE SUPERFUND CLEAN-UP PROCESS, AND IMPROVE
ENFORCEMENT. TOGETHER, WE MUST ASSURE COMPLIANCE WITH
HAZARDOUS WASTE LAWS.
- 5 -
AND WHERE ENFORCEMENT OF ALL OF THE LAWS THAT
PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT ARE CONCERNED, I'D LIKE YOU TO
THINK ABOUT THOSE MOST SERIOUS CASES WHERE WE MUST MOVE
BEYOND CIVIL PENALTIES, TOWARD CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT --
BOTH AS A SANCTION, AND AS A DETERRENT.
IN A FEW MINUTES, BILL REILLY WILL OUTLINE IN
DETAIL OUR AGENDA ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
- 6 -
You WILL CERTAINLY FIND HIM -- TODAY, AND OVER THE
COURSE OF THIS ADMINISTRATION -- To BE AN ENVIRONMENTAL
EXPERT, AN OUTSTANDING ALLY AND FELLOW SOLDIER IN THE
STRUGGLE.
BUT BEFORE I HAND OVER THE PODIUM, I WANT TO ENLIST
YOUR SUPPORT ON ANOTHER PERVASIVE PROBLEM: THE NATIONAL
FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.
WE MUST SEE THAT ALL GREAT CITIES ARE NOT HELD
HOSTAGE BY CRACK DEALERS.
- 7 -
AND OUR SCHOOLS NOT LOCKED IN A STATE OF SIEGE.
You KNOW, DRUGS ARE LIKE CHEMICAL WEAPONS THAT A
SOCIETY TURNS ON ITSELF. THEY BREED THE MOST INSIDIOUS
FORMS OF DOMESTIC TERRORISM. AND THEY WILL BE STOPPED.
THE BUDGET I PRESENTED TO CONGRESS LAST MONTH IS A
REALISTIC, FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE PLAN THAT IDENTIFIES
KEY PRIORITIES REQUIRING OUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION. ONE
OF THESE PRIORITIES IS COMBATING THE SCOURGE OF DRUGS.
- 8 -
THAT'S WHY I'M ASKING FOR $1 BILLION IN NEW OUTLAYS FOR
OUR ANTI-DRUG PROGRAM. THAT'S A 47 PERCENT INCREASE
OVER 1988 -- FOR A TOTAL OF $6 BILLION IN BUDGET
AUTHORITY FOR 1990.
MOST OF THAT MONEY -- 70 PERCENT OF IT -- WILL BEEF
UP FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT; PROVIDE GRANTS TO STATE AND
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES; AND BUILD UP OUR
PROSECUTION, DETENTION, AND INTELLIGENCE-GATHERING
STRENGTH.
- 9 -
As CHIEF LEGAL OFFICERS, YOU UNDERSTAND
ENFORCEMENT. You KNOW HOW VITAL IT IS -- AND AS MY
BUDGET MAKES CLEAR, I WANT TO DEVOTE UNPRECEDENTED
RESOURCES TO ENFORCEMENT.
BUT WE MUST DO MORE. THIS WAR WON'T BE WON BY
POLICE WORK ALONE. WHERE THERE IS DEMAND, SUPPLY WILL
ALWAYS RISE To MEET IT. WHERE THERE IS NO DEMAND,
SUPPLY IS USELESS.
- 10 -
THAT'S WHY I WAS GLAD To SEE THAT YOUR "BLUEPRINT"
FOR DRUG CONTROL STRATEGIES BROADENS THE GOALS OF
ENFORCEMENT. You SAY THAT REDUCING DEMAND MUST BE "THE
IDEOLOGICAL CORNERSTONE OF ANY COHERENT DRUG
ENFORCEMENT POLICY" -- AND YOU'RE RIGHT. ENFORCEMENT
STRATEGIES MUST LOOK BEYOND EFFECTS, To CAUSES.
DRUG EDUCATION, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION PROVIDE
OUR BEST HOPE FOR A LONG-TERM SOLUTION -- ESPECIALLY
WITH OUR KIDS. YES, WE NEED To TELL THEM TO "SAY NO."
- 11 -
BUT WE MUST ALSO GIVE THEM THE WISDOM TO KNOW WHY --
AND THE SKILLS TO KNOW HOW -- TO SAY NO.
I ASK YOU TO CONTINUE LOOKING CLOSELY AT YOUR DRUG
ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMS. How CAN THEY HELP REDUCE DEMAND?
LESS DEMAND MEANS MORE SUCCESS IN THE WAR ON DRUGS.
AND TO THE EXTENT YOU CAN CUT DEMAND, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR
JOBS -- MY JOB -- AND THOSE OF EVERYONE INVOLVED IN LAW
ENFORCEMENT -- A WHOLE LOT MORE REWARDING.
- 12 -
OUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES MAY BE LIMITED, BUT OUR
RESOLVE IS UNLIMITED. WITH THAT LIMITLESS RESOLVE, I
KNOW WE CAN INSPIRE EVERY CHILD, TEACHER, AND PARENT;
EVERY COMMUNITY GROUP, RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION, AND
TENANT ASSOCIATION; AND EVERY BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL
ORGANIZATION IN THIS COUNTRY. AND THEN, UNITED IN
COMMON RESOLVE, WE WILL TRULY BE INVINCIBLE.
- 13 -
As I'VE SAID BEFORE, WE HAVE MORE WILL THAN WALLET.
BUT THE ONLY LIMITS ON OUR WILL ARE THE LIMITS WE PLACE
ON OURSELVES.
TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A CULTURE OF ZERO-TOLERANCE.
WE CAN SEND A MESSAGE, LOUD AND CLEAR, TO THOSE WHO
TAKE DRUGS -- AND TAKE OUR LENIENCY -- FOR GRANTED:
THE PARTY IS OVER.
- 14 -
LET ME NOW INTRODUCE BILL REILLY, ADMINISTRATOR OF
THE E.P.A. HE IS A GREAT BUILDER OF BRIDGES BETWEEN
PEOPLE -- HE'S EVEN BEEN CALLED "THE GREAT INCLUDER."
HE HAS DEVOTED HIS CAREER TO PROTECTING OUR LAND,
AIR, AND WATER -- AND HE HAS MY COMPLETE CONFIDENCE.
THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH. AND GOD BLESS YOU.
###
TorPresident
(Lange/Blessey)
March 10, 1989
9:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
doing lately, I know we're fighting the same battles.
The two comprehensive reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my agenda for the
future, to build a better America.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together -- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for study has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
2
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
I will work closely with you on those environmental
questions where we share responsibility. We need to step up the
Superfund clean-up process, and improve enforcement. Together,
we must assure compliance with hazardous waste laws.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those most
serious cases where we must move beyond civil penalties, toward
criminal enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will outline in detail our
agenda on the environment. You will certainly find him -- today,
and over the course of this Administration -- to be an
outstanding ally and fellow soldier in the struggle.
But before I hand over the podium, I want to enlist your
support on another pervasive problem: the war on drugs.
3
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
You know, drugs are like chemical weapons that a society
turns on itself. They breed the most insidious forms of domestic
terrorism. And they will be stopped.
The budget I presented to Congress last month is a
realistic, fiscally responsible plan that identifies key
priorities requiring our immediate attention. One of these
priorities is combating the scourge of drugs. That's why I'm
asking for $1 billion in new outlays for our anti-drug program.
That's a 47 percent increase over 1988 -- for a total of $6
billion in budget authority for 1990.
Most of that money -- 70 percent of it --- will beef up
federal enforcement; provide grants to state and local law
enforcement agencies; and build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
4
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "blueprint" for drug
control strategies broadens the. goals of enforcement. You say
that reducing demand must be "the ideological cornerstone of any
coherent drug enforcement policy" -- and you're right.
Enforcement strategies must look beyond effects, to causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no." But we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how to say no.
I ask you to continue looking closely at your drug
enforcement programs. How can they help reduce demand? Less
demand means more success in the war on drugs. And to the extent
you can cut demand, you can make your jobs -- my job -- and those
of everyone involved in law enforcement -- a whole lot more
rewarding.
Our financial resources may be limited, but our resolve is
unlimited. With that limitless resolve, I know we can inspire
every child, teacher, and parent; every community group,
religious institution, and tenant association; and every business
5
and professional organization in this country. And then, united
in common resolve, we will truly be invincible.
As I've said before, we have more will than wallet. But the
only limits on our will are the limits we place on ourselves.
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
Let me now introduce Bill Reilly, Administrator of the
E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges between people -- he's
even been called "The Great Includer."
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
(Lange/Blessey)
March 10, 1989
6:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
doing lately, I know we're fighting the same battles.
The two comprehensive reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my agenda for the
future, to build a better America.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together -- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for study has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
2
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
I will work closely with you on those environmental
questions where we share responsibility. We need to step up the
Superfund clean-up process, and improve enforcement. Together,
we must assure compliance with hazardous waste laws.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those most
Serious cases where we must move beyond civil penalties, toward criminal
enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
All of us are concerned about ocean dumping of medical
waste. The needle on the beach is a national shame.
So I'm pleased to announce today that EPA has just
established a medical waste tracking system, to ensure that waste
goes to proper disposal facilities. This pilot program will
apply to medicál facilities of all sizes, including Federal
facilities
3
Nine states have already indicated some interest. Those of
you who haven't, yet -- let me encourage you to contact E.P.A.
this month, and get on board in this effort. This action alone
won't entirely eliminate the problem; but it's an important first
step.
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will outline in detail our
agenda on the environment. You will certainly find him -- today,
and over the course of this Administration -- to be an
outstanding ally and fellow soldier in the struggle.
The needle on the beach is part of the medical waste problem
we 're working to contain But those needles are also the
symptom, cause, and effect of those who abuse and are abused
by drugs.
But
So before I hand over the podium, I want to enlist your
support TS the war on drugs (on another service problems
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
You know, drugs are like chemical weapons that a society
turns on itself. They breed the most insidious forms of domestic
terrorism. And they will be stopped.
4
The budget I presented to Congress last month is a
realistic, fiscally responsible plan that identifies key
priorities requiring our immediate attention. One of these
priorities is combating the scourge of drugs. That's why I'm
asking for $1 billion in new outlays for our anti-drug program.
That's a 47 percent increase over 1988 -- for a total of $6
billion in budget authority for 1990.
Most of that money -- 70 percent of it -- will beef up
federal enforcement; provide grants to state and local law
enforcement agencies; and build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police. work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "blueprint" for drug
control strategies broadens the goals of enforcement. You say
5
that reducing demand must be "the ideological cornerstone of any
coherent drug enforcement policy" -- and you're right.
Enforcement strategies must look beyond effects, to causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no." But we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how -- to say no.
I ask you to continue looking closely at your drug
enforcement programs. How can they help reduce demand? Less
demand means more success in the war on drugs. And to the extent
you can cut demand, you can make your jobs -- my job -- and those
of everyone involved in law enforcement -- a whole lot more
rewarding.
Our financial resources may be limited, but our resolve is
unlimited. With that limitless resolve, I know we can inspire
every child, teacher, and parent; every community group,
religious institution, and tenant association; and every business
and professional organization in this country. And then, united
in common resolve, we will truly be invincible.
As I've said before, we have more will than wallet. But the
only limits on our will are the limits we place on ourselves.
6
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
Let me now introduce Bill Reilly, Administrator of the
E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges between people -- he's
even been called "The Great Includer."
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
(Lange/Blessey)
March 9, 1989
4:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
doing lately, I know I'm among kindred spirits.
Dellow warrins
comprehensive
The two outstanding reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my agenda for the
future.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together -- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for debate has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
5:15NI. @E.P.A.
[759-0043]4
Tom
Super
382-4727
get coreep.
OMB Bob Orody
2
Where dumping of medical waste is concerned, you may
1
sayt
remember my pledge to end the era of the needle on the beach.
Tothlaste
Well, we just took the first step. EPA has just established a
medical waste tracking system, to ensure that waste goes to
read
to
Haz
Maz Ken Yale
proper disposal facilities.
x6722
?
And Bats
This pilot program will apply to medical facilities of all
2174
sizes. Some nine states have already agreed to participate.
Those of you who haven't, yet -- let me encourage you to contact
E.P.A. this month, and get on board in this important effort.
Visisa bair problem, of course (carent
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
This government will work closely with you, on those
environmental questions that only have shared answers. We need
to step up the Superfund clean-up process, and improve
enforcement. Together, we must assure compliance with hazardous
waste laws, and encourage strict enforcement of pesticide use.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those
cases where we must move beyond civil penalties, toward criminal
enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
3
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will give you his thinking on
the environment. You will certainly find him -- today, and over
the course of this Administration -- to be an outstanding ally.
But before I hand over the podium, I want to turn your
attention -- and enlist your support -- on another pervasive
problem: the war on drugs.
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
No. Together we are going to ban this chemical weaponry.
It breeds the most insidious form of domestic terrorism. And it
will be stopped.
In the budget I presented to Congress last month -- a
budget, by the way, that was the first Executive budget in quite
a while not pronounced "d.o.a." on Capitol Hill -- I've pushed
for an increase of $1 billion for our anti-drug program. That's
compute,
a 47 percent increase over 1988, for a total of $6 billion.
Most of that money -- 70 percent of it -- will go toward
grants to state and local law enforcement agencies, to beef up
federal enforcement, and to build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
4
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "Blueprint for Drug
Control Strategies" looks bevond enforcement, to strategies for
cutting the drug problem off at the knees -- beyond effects, to
causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no." But we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how -- to say no.
Let me encourage you to continue looking closely at drug
enforcement programs. Consider how they can help reduce demand
for drugs. To the extent you can do that, you can make your jobs
-- my job -- and those of everyone involved in law enforcement ---
a whole lot easier.
Our resources may be limited -- but our resolve is not.
5
Our task is to win the hearts and minds of every child, teacher,
and parent; every community group, religious institution, and
tenant association; and every business and professional
organization in this country.
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
Let me now turn this party over to Bill Reilly --
Administrator of the E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges
between people -- he's even been called "The Great Includer."
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
President's before
copy headle Das &
(Lange/Blessey)
March 10, 1989
6:30 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
doing lately, I know we're fighting the same battles.
The two comprehensive reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my agenda for the
future, to build a better America.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together -- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for study has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
2
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
I will work closely with you on those environmental
questions where we share responsibility. We need to step up the
Superfund clean-up process, and improve enforcement. Together,
we must assure compliance with hazardous waste laws.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those
cases where we must move beyond civil penalties, toward criminal
enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
All of us are concerned about ocean dumping of medical
waste. The needle on the beach is a national shame.
So I'm pleased to announce today that EPA has just
established a medical waste tracking system, to ensure that waste
goes to proper disposal facilities. This pilot program will
apply to medical facilities of all sizes, including Federal
facilities.
3
Nine states have already indicated some interest. Those of
you who haven't, yet -- let me encourage you to contact E.P.A.
this month, and get on board in this effort. This action alone
won't entirely eliminate the problem; but it's an important first
step.
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will outline in detail our
agenda on the environment. You will certainly find him -- today,
and over the course of this Administration -- to be an
outstanding ally and fellow soldier in the struggle.
The needle on the beach is part of the medical waste problem
we're working to contain. But those needles are also the
symptom, cause, and effect of those who abuse -- and are abused
by -- drugs.
So before I hand over the podium, I want to enlist your
support in the war on drugs.
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
You know, drugs are like chemical weapons that a society
turns on itself. They breed the most insidious forms of domestic
terrorism. And they will be stopped.
4
The budget I presented to Congress last month is a
realistic, fiscally responsible plan that identifies key
priorities requiring our immediate attention. One of these
priorities is combating the scourge of drugs. That's why I'm
asking for $1 billion in new outlays for our anti-drug program.
That's a 47 percent increase over 1988 -- for a total of $6
billion in budget authority for 1990.
Most of that money -- 70 percent of it -- will beef up
federal enforcement; provide grants to state and local law
enforcement agencies; and build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "blueprint" for drug
control strategies broadens the goals of enforcement. You say
5
that reducing demand must be "the ideological cornerstone of any
coherent drug enforcement policy" -- and you're right.
Enforcement strategies must look beyond effects, to causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no. " But we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how -- to say no.
I ask you to continue looking closely at your drug
enforcement programs. How can they help reduce demand? Less
demand means more success in the war on drugs. And to the extent
you can cut demand, you can make your jobs -- my job -- and those
of everyone involved in law enforcement -- a whole lot more
rewarding.
Our financial resources may be limited, but our resolve is
unlimited. With that limitless resolve, I know we can inspire
every child, teacher, and parent; every community group,
religious institution, and tenant association; and every business
and professional organization in this country. And then, united
in common resolve, we will truly be invincible.
As I've said before, we have more will than wallet. But the
only limits on our will are the limits we place on ourselves.
6
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
Let me now introduce Bill Reilly, Administrator of the
E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges between people -- he's
even been called "The Great Includer. "
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 10, 1989
Memorandum to Chriss Winston
From:
Roger B. Porter
RBe/SP
James P. Pinkerton
Re:
Comments on Junior Achievement, B'nai B'rith,
Derwinski, Attorneys General, Insurance Agents
drafts
A general comment on the drafts: If we are serious about
our message of "Building a Better America," then we should state
our message. We can't count on anyone else to carry our line if
we won't do it ourselves. Ideally, all these speeches should
include the phrase "Building A Better America."
Junior Achievement
Overall, a good speech. But the pitch for the President's
program doesn't kick in until p.7. Again, there's no effort to
ask these people -- renowned for their pep and enthusiasm -- for
their help. We need a more imperative voice. The phrase
"Building A Better America" should be included since it's our
overall theme.
p.2, para. 4: Since this is the paragraph on voluntarism, we
suggest including a specific reference to YES.
p.3, para. 1: "In your hands, economics is anything but as some
call 'the dismal science. Change to: "In your creative
hands, economics is anything but the 'dismal science' that some
have called it."
p.8, para. 4: "...a system that gives ingenuity free reign" --
"reign" should be "rein." Obviously nobody in the audience will
notice, but a reader will.
B'nai B'rith
p.2, para. 4: We must be careful about over-using the words
"tolerance" and "intolerance." We used the phrase "intolerance"
in the DEA speech and we have spoken repeatedly of "Zero
Tolerance. " We're tying many meanings and inferences around
"tolerance."
-2-
When you overload a word with too many messages you
sometimes wind up in trouble, as in the President's fumble over
the phrase "anti-bigotry, anti-racism, and anti-semitism" in the
campaign. We would draw the line right here and turn this
negative-sounding sentence into a positive, e.g. "This nation
must stand for tolerance, pluralism, and a healthy respect for
the rights of all minorities."
Derwinski
p.1, para. 3: Change "bronzed giant," which sounds like a cross
between Nietzsche and George Hamilton, to "Jefferson commands our
respect: a bronze giant
p.2, para. 2: " is now cast for the ages in bronze." We'd
delete "in bronze" at the end of this sentence if we use "bronze
giant" above.
p.2, para. 4: "a somber salute to those who fell, and all who
answered the call to duty." We would add "to" after the "and."
The sentence should now read "and to all who answered the
call
"
P. 3, para. 2: "speeches and stone" sounds somewhat cold. We
suggest a change to "speeches and statuary," which sounds more
generous.
p.3, para. 3: This graf is a non-sequitur from the previous
graf: we go from talking about how speeches and stone/statuary
are an inadequate repayment, to this paragraph which starts "But
that doesn't free us of obligation."
You can't be freed of an obligation by an inadequate
repayment. As we move from talking about past debts to current
concerns we need a sentence that tracks the logic of what we're
saying. I'd change to: "Our obligation is also to the living."
In the second sentence of this graf, the word "entrance" is
misspelled.
p.7, para. 1:
"
We will never again need to erect another
monument to the casualties of war. " Strictly speaking, we don't
just erect monuments to the casualties of war.
We would change to
"
erect another monument to the men and
women who protect us and uphold our liberties." We need to
demonstrate some sensitivity to the current composition of the
armed forces. Note, for example, that the previous page uses
the term "airman." This is fine, in view of the demographics of
the armies of yesterday. But we need to demonstrate our
understanding that times have changed. Thus, our preference for
using "men and women" here.
-3-
Attorneys General
The President needs to throw a bipartisan bear-hug around
these law enforcers based on a common commitment to a stern, no-
nonsense struggle against drug abuse and environmental
degradation. Thus, a phrase like "kindred spirits" in the third
line, and a conclusion like "Let me now turn this party [emphasis
added] over to Bill Reilly" evinces a lackadaisical tone
unbefitting a President who is dead serious about winning the war
on drugs.
p.1, para. 2: "Kindred spirits:" We prefer "fellow warriors"
or fellow soldiers" or something tougher and less convivial than
'kindred spirits" in a speech on drugs and cleaning up the
environment.
p.2, para. 4: Change "This government will" to the more
emphatic "I will."
p.3, para. 1: Change "Bill Reilly will give you his thinking on
the environment" to "Bill Reilly will outline in detail our
agenda on the environment. " If we agree on the need for a
more martial overall tone, then we should consider a word like
"strategy" in place of "agenda."
Similarly, in the following sentence of that paragraph, we'd
change "You will certainly find him
to be an outstanding ally"
to You will certainly find him to be an outstanding ally and a
fellow warrior" or "and a fellow soldier in the struggle."
p.3, para. 2: This should read "turn your attention to and
enlist your support for. " The current "turn your attention --
and enlist your support -- on another pervasive problem" doesn't
parse.
p.3, para. 5: "budget
not
d.o.a."
--
We're asking for
trouble with this complacent, back-patting phrase. We should
stop citing an "achievement" that can be stripped away from us in
an instant by some sharp-tongued Democrat. The whole graf should
read as follows:
"The budget I presented to Congress last month is a
realistic, fiscally responsible plan that identifies key
priorities requiring our immediate attention. One of these
meet
priorities is combating the scourge of drugs. That's why
I'm asking for an increase of $1 billion for our anti-drug
A
program. That's a 47 percent increase over 1988, for a
total of $6 billion.
budgetawilkerity
in newoutlays
21
1990.
(Check
in
-4-
p.4, para. 5: Instead of "Let me encourage you" etc., we would
make it more imperative: "I ask you to study your drug
enforcement programs. How can they help reduce demand for drugs?
Less demand means more success in the war on drugs. "
p.4, para. 6: We would make the first sentence more positive and
ambitious: "Our financial resources may be limited but our
resolve is unlimited. Then add: "With that limitless
resolution, I know that we can inspire every child, teacher, and
parent; every community group, religious institution, and tenant
association; and every business and professional organization in
this country. And then, united in common resolve, we will truly
be invincible."
And then we suggest adding a Rooseveltian clincher:
"As I have said before, we have more will than wallet.
However, the only limits on our will are those limits we place on
ourselves."
Note that our rewrite version avoids the phrase "hearts and
minds. " Anyone who lived through Vietnam remembers the ironic
and cynical connotation that phrase took on.
p.5, para. 4: Again, "Let me now turn this party over to Bill
Reilly" is simply too light-hearted for this grim subject. In
keeping with a more substantive tone, get the job done with
simply "Let me now introduce."
Insurance Agents
p. 2, para. 4: This allusory graf contributes nothing to the
President's agenda. We think it should be deleted outright.
p.3, para. 3: It seems to us that we should follow this graf
with p.4, para. 1 immediately instead of detouring into job
creation.
p.4, para. 3: Here we are about to launch into selling our
program -- but we don't mention it by name: Building A Better
America.
We need a paragraph that establishes an umbrella theme for
the speech -- something reminiscent of the following, taken from
the 2/9 speech: "But I am presenting to you tonight a realistic
plan for tackling [the budget deficit]. My plan has four broad
features: Attention to urgent priorities, investment in the
future, an attack on the deficit, and no new taxes.'
-5-
Before we launch into a long list of agenda items we should
wrap it into an overriding theme -- Building A Better America.
p.5, para. 1: "It is for this reason that I will resist the
movement toward mandated benefits." "Resist" has a footdragging
quality to it. We want to communicate the idea that we will not
just "resist," but will in fact block the move toward mandated
benefits. Therefore we would substitute the word "oppose."
The last sentence of this graf reads: "But these programs,
born of the best intentions, can have agonizing consequences.'
The word "agonizing" implies an unresolved dilemma. We would
change to "can have unintended and counterproductive
consequences.
"
Better yet, we could add another layer of anti-mandated
benefits argument, as follows:
"We have seen what happens in other countries where mandated
benefit programs create obstacles to productivity and growth. We
cannot Build a Better America if we weigh down our production
sector with new burdens.'
p.5, para. 3: "But when local governments cannot install
playgrounds, when business are bankrupted, when volunteer
organization have to pull back" -- I would add "when mothers
struggle to find an obstetrician, " -- and "volunteer
organization" should be plural.
p.5, para. 4: "All of my policies are centered around a single
goal " We'd change to "My plan for Building a Better America
is centered around
"
p.7, para. 1: "So my agenda is this: to confront the emerging
problems of the future today. " We'd add "and to invest in the
future."
p.7, para. 3: Change the word "areas" in "these are the areas
that will irrevocably alter the world" to "trends" -- and in the
next sentence: "Will American foreign policy be flexible enough
to meet this emerging new world order?" the word "flexible" by
itself looks weak. Flexibility is a virtue but it should be
coupled with vision. We'd rewrite to say "wise enough, creative
enough, and flexible enough
"
p.8, para. 1: Again, the term "Dead-On-Arrival" just begs for
some Democrat to take it away from us. We suggest using language
similar to what we suggested in the Attorneys General speech (pg.
3 of this memo).
-6-
p.8, para. 3: "Homelessness concerns a small proportion of
Americans. We'd change to "Homelessness afflicts a small number
of Americans but concerns all of us.
p.9, para. 1: "The environment -- once the domain of activists,
it is becoming a top priority of pinstriped diplomats."
As is written here, "activists" appears to be pejorative.
"Pinstriped" is also pejorative, the adjective of choice for
critics of the State Department.
We would reverse the logic from pejorative to complementary
and also omit "domain," which sounds both parochial and
territorial. Instead, we suggest the President throw a bouquet
to his fellow environmentalists: "Once the concern of a far-
sighted few, it is now a top priority of my Administration, at
home and abroad."
p.10, para. 3: "I've laid out my agenda for you. Change to
"I've laid out my agenda for Building a Better America."
#
Tom Super - EPA
we have to stop saying that
this new will medical 0A waste the tracking
System stop
needles on the beach because
are used at home and homewsers
over a billion need hes every year
system. are excluded from this tracking
So until they solve the home users
problem, come May you could See
need hes on the beach again
they have taken the first step
by controlling at medhes (A med.
wasted from hospitals ) doctors,
Vefs Vetspefc
but until the truq addiction
problem is solved (most of the
needles are cocaine, crack, hearn)
they needles on the beach
won't besowed either.
comments on speeches
Brad Baker Treasury 566-2285
AG comments From EPA 1 # 382-472
Tom Super 382-4727
must stop saying EPA ,
not going to keep nudles off beach
cocaine- ocaine-crack-infolin crack- insulin
most needles come from indiv. uses.
diabetics, etc
doctors not hospitals
no needles
ho blood >indumprers
vets responsible headLey
dispisioned
were not going to solve
wednes from until solve
divg addiction problem
educate home users of med prod.
$ end scourge of drugs
-aids
none of that waste
-elderly homehealth
captured in this
system
care
I
tracking Act
intentionally
even include
sharps
out
over a billion nudles are Used at home
to they arent
to the extent that waste on beaches
is generated by home users this is
not included in tracking system
015345SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
3/9/89
39 FEB
3/10/89 10:00 AM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
SUBJECT:
ATTORNEYS GENERAL
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
PINKERTON
CICCONI
BENNETT
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
by 10:00 AM, Friday, March 10, 1989, with an info copy to my
office. Sorry for the short turnaround. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Blessey)
March 9, 1989
1939 MAR -9 PM 5: 49
4:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
doing lately, I know I'm among kindred spirits.
The two outstanding reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my agenda for the
future.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together -- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for debate has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
2
Where dumping of medical waste is concerned, you may
remember my pledge to end the era of the needle on the beach.
Well, we just took the first step. EPA has just established a
medical waste tracking system, to ensure that waste goes to
proper disposal facilities.
This pilot program will apply to medical facilities of all
sizes. Some nine states have already agreed to participate.
Those of you who haven't, yet -- let me encourage you to contact
E.P.A. this month, and get on board in this important effort.
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
This government will work closely with you, on those
environmental questions that only have shared answers. We need
to step up the Superfund clean-up process, and improve
enforcement. Together, we must assure compliance with hazardous
waste laws, and encourage strict enforcement of pesticide use.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those
cases where we must move beyond civil penalties, toward criminal
enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
3
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will give you his thinking on
the environment. You will certainly find him -- today, and over
the course of this Administration -- to be an outstanding ally.
But before I hand over the podium, I want to turn your
attention -- and enlist your support -- on another pervasive
problem: the war on drugs.
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
No. Together we are going to ban this chemical weaponrv.
It breeds the most insidious form of domestic terrorism. And it
will be stopped.
Hate
3120
In the budget I presented to Congress last month --- a
budget, by the way, that was the first Executive budget in quite
(HOIEN)
proposed
a while not pronounced "d.o.a." on Capitol Hill -- I've pushed
(x4630 (+
Anderson
for 21 an increase of $1 billion for our anti-drug program. That's
in new outlays
Asaresult new 1990 in new authority
NOTE from
a percent increase over 1988, for a total of $6 billion.
pg 181- - 81dg.A
Sprinding authority
Better America
in 1990.
will
Most of that money -- 70 percent of it -- will go toward
If
grants to state and local law enforcement agencies, to beef up
SEB
federal enforcement, and to build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
4
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "Blueprint for Drug
Control Strategies" looks beyond enforcement, to strategies for
cutting the drug problem off at the knees -- beyond effects, to
causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no." But we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how -- to say no.
Let me encourage you to continue looking closely at drug
enforcement programs. Consider how they can help reduce demand
for drugs. To the extent you can do that, you can make your jobs
-- my job -- and those of everyone involved in law enforcement --
a whole lot easier.
Our resources may be limited -- but our resolve is not.
5
Our task is to win the hearts and minds of every child, teacher,
and parent; every community group, religious institution, and
tenant association; and every business and professional
organization in this country.
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
Let me now turn this party over to Bill Reilly --
Administrator of the E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges
between people -- he's even been called "The Great Includer."
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
Tom Super EPA comments
# 4727
(Lange/Blessey)
March 9, 1989
4:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
doing lately, I know I'm among kindred spirits.
The two outstanding reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my agenda for the
future.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together --- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for debate has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
Where dumping of medical waste is concerned, at you may
see attached page
2
remember my pledge to end the era of the needle on the beach.
Well, we just took the first step. EPA has just established a
medical waste tracking system, to ensure that waste goes to
proper disposal facilities.
the ave the AG'S alotoked too, go they this. they'n Fac. 11
This pilot program will apply to medical facilities of all
mt
T.
including Federal facilities.
Super
sizes
Some nine states have already agreed to participate.
EPA
Those of you who haven't, yet -- let me encourage you to contact
E.P.A. this month, and get on board in this important effort.
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
This government will work closely with you, on those
environmental questions that only have shared answers. We need
to step up the Superfund clean-up process, and improve
enforcement. Together, we must assure compliance with hazardous
waste laws, and encourage strict enforcement of pesticide use.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those
cases where we must move beyond civil penalties, toward criminal
enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
3
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will give you his thinking on
the environment. You will certainly find him -- today, and over
the course of this Administration -- to be an outstanding ally.
But before I hand over the podium, I want to turn your
attention -- and enlist your support -- on another pervasive
problem: the war on drugs.
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
No. Together we are going to ban this chemical weaponry.
It breeds the most insidious form of domestic terrorism. And it
will be stopped.
In the budget I presented to Congress last month -- a
budget, by the way, that was the first Executive budget in quite
a while not pronounced "d.o.a." on Capitol Hill -- I've pushed
for an increase of $1 billion for our anti-drug program. That's
a 47 percent increase over 1988, for a total of $6 billion.
Most of that money -- 70 percent of it -- will go toward
grants to state and local law enforcement agencies, to beef up
federal enforcement, and to build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
4
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "Blueprint for Drug
Control Strategies" looks beyond enforcement, to strategies for
cutting the drug problem off at the knees -- beyond effects, to
causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no." But we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how -- to say no.
Let me encourage you to continue looking closely at drug
enforcement programs. Consider how they can help reduce demand
for drugs. To the extent you can do that, you can make your jobs
-- my job -- and those of everyone involved in law enforcement --
a whole lot easier.
Our resources may be limited -- but our resolve is not.
5
Our task is to win the hearts and minds of every child, teacher,
and parent; every community group, religious institution, and
tenant association; and every business and professional
organization in this country.
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
Let me now turn this party over to Bill Reilly --
Administrator of the E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges
between people -- he's even been called "The Great Includer." "
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 8, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR ROGER PORTER
DAVE DEMAREST
ANNOUNCEMENT OF Mal EPA TRACKING
JIM CICCONI
FROM:
MARLIN FITZWATER
SUBJECT:
SYSTEM FOR MEDICAL WASTE
Please take a look at the attached and see if this is something
we should get the President involved in. Our political advisers
told Governor Sununu that this would be a great issue to take a
stand on. This EPA action might be a vehicle.
Attachments
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 2, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR MARLIN FITZWATER
She Thater
FROM:
DAVID BATES
SUBJECT:
Announcement of EPA Tracking System for Medical
Waste
EPA will announce today the establishment of a two-year limited
tracking system to ensure that medical waste is sent to proper
disposal facilities. The pilot system was authorized by
Congress last year. EPA will report to Congress after two-years
on whether changes are needed and whether such a system should be
applied nation-wide.
The tracking system will apply to small producers, such as
doctor's offices and small clinics, as well as to large
facilities such as hospitals. Violators in states implementing
the tracking system can be assessed civil penalties up to $25,000
per day per violation and criminal penalties up to $50,000 per
day per violation and jail terms up to five uears.
The tracking system will be implemented by New York, New Jersey,
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and
Minnesota. Other states have 30 days to advise EPA that they
wish to participate. All participating states have 90 days to
implement the tracking system.
The implementation of the tracking system constitutes a first
step in fulfilling the President's pledge to clean up beaches
with wash-ups of medical waste.
I have attached a larger press release from EPA on the issue.
memo from DQB
United States
Office of
to Suninu
Environmental Protection
Public Affairs (A-107)
Fitzwater
Agency
Washington DC 20460
ec: Darman
EPA
Environmental News
Poctor
DRAFT
Scheduled for release 3/2/89
DRAFT
Robin Woods (202) 382-4377
EPA SETS UP
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today
PILOT TRACKING
PROGRAM FOR
set up a two-year limited federal tracking system
MEDICAL WASTE
to ensure that medical waste is sent to proper
disposal facilities. The system will be used in
those states that wish to be part of the pilot
program.
The two-year demonstration tracking system
was authorized by Congress last year under the
Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988. EPA will
report back to Congress at the end of the project
on whether changes are needed and whether such a
system should be applied nationwide.
Acting Deputy/ EPA Administrator said,
Dr. John A. Moore
'Medical waste on beaches is unacceptable to all
of us and we intend to minimize public exposure
to these wastes. This tracking system will
substantially increase the amount of medical
waste receiving special handling and will ensure
that it arrives at its intended destination -- a
proper disposal facility or incinerator. "
The tracking system will apply to small
producers, such as doctor's offices and small
clinics, as well as to large health-care facilities,
such as hospitals.
Violators in states implementing the tracking
system can be assessed civil penalties of up to
$25,000 per day for each violation and criminal
penalties of up to $50,000 per day per violation
and can receive jail terms up to five years.
(more)
- 2 -
The tracking system will be implemented and enforced by the states,
with EPA oversight. The law automatically includes New Jersey, New York,
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Minnesota.
These states may withdraw from the program within the next 30 days. Other
states have 30 days to let EPA know if they want to be included in the
tracking program. All states that wish to be included in the program
have 90 days to implement the system.
Nearly 3.2 million tons of medical waste is generated by hospitals
alone each year. EPA estimates that 10 to 15 percent of all medical waste
is infectious. Several studies, including those by the Centers for
Disease Control, indicate that medical waste does not present a public
health threat, especially after it has been exposed to air and water.
Large health-care facilities already follow very strict procedures
in handling medical waste. Most medical waste generated by these facilities
is incinerated on-site; only 15 percent is transported off site, and of
that, 10 percent is incinerated off site. Of all medical waste producers,
the smaller generators are generally unregulated and much of their waste
is disposed of in ordinary trash. Small generators are the suspected
source of the medical waste washups along the beaches last summer, since
along with the medical waste investigators found many items from ordinary
trach and garbage.
EPA's regulations establishing the tracking system define affected
medical waste and establish uniform standards for segregation, packaging,
labeling and reporting.
Medical wastes affected by the new program include:
- cultures and stocks of infectious agents;
- blood and blood products;
- pathological wastes, including those from surgery and autopsy;
- contaminated animal carcasses;
- isolation wastes; and
- discarded medical equipment and parts, including
used sharps (needles, scalpels, etc.) and
unused sharps.
The tracking system requires the use of a tracking form by those
who generate over 50 pounds a month of medical waste and for all medical
waste shipments over 50 pounds. The generator must put his name and address
on the form and identify the transporter, intended disposal facility and
the type of waste. The transporter must sign the form when he receives
the wastes. The operator of the disposal facility also must sign the
form upon receipt of the waste and return a copy of the form to the
generator. If the generator does not receive the copy within 45 days,
he must notify the state and EPA.
Small generators, such as doctor's offices, dentists, clinics and
labs that produce less than 50 pounds per month, are subject to all of the
requirements, except that they must maintain a log instead of initiating
the use of a tracking form. For all shipments, including those of less
than 50 pounds, transporters must use the tracking form, and disposal
facility operators must sign off upon receipt of the wastes.
(more)
- 3 -
Each package must be marked with the generator's and transporter's
name and address. The packaging standards also require double-packaging
with rigid outer packaging to withstand transportation. Sharps and free
fluids must be packaged separately with rigid primary packaging which is
leak and puncture-resistent.
The new rules are expected to cost generators nearly $31 million
a year to comply with, and transporters and disposal facilities $25 million
a year. Average annual compliance costs per facility range from $3,757
for hospitals to S71 for dentists. The overall average incremental cost
increase per pound of medical waste is approximately eight cents.
Since 1982, EPA has provided technical assistance to the health-care
community and to states on the proper handling and disposal of medical
wastes. The agency also has provided technical materials and met regularly
with health-care professionals and representative associations. A number
of additional projects are underway to provide technical information and
expertise to the redical community. Among them, EPA is studying and
preparing technical materials on medical waste incinerators, including
operator training and inspection manuals. These incinerators currently
not subject to federal Clean Air Act standards, as they are too small,
but they may be subject to state air requirements. EPA is also conducting
a number of studies to further quantify and define the medical waste
issue and on how states currently regulate medical waste.
EPA also is working with the Center for Marine Conservation to collect
and analyze data on debris found on beaches. The agency provided $30,000 to
the Center last year for the study and will provide $50,000 this year.
In a separate project, EPA is collecting marine debris from U.S.
harbors -- Boston, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Miami,
Seattle and San Francisco. Very preliminary information indicates that
less than one percent of the marine debris is medical waste or drug
related. The agency believes the sources of this waste include street
runoff and storm-sewer overflows. As a result, EPA is conducting another
study on combined sewer overflows in Boston and Philadelphia. EPA is
also working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
and the Department of the Interior on a public information campaign
concerning ocean debris.
The tracking system rules will be published in the Federal Register
within the next two weeks. For further information, the public can call
EPA's waste hotline at 800-424-9346 or 382-3000 in Washington, D.C.
###
KAY To. STEVE 456-2883 HART
MEDICAL WASTE TRACKING ACT: REGULATORY HIGHLIGHTS
GOAL
To issue comprehensive interim final regulations addressing
segregation, packaging, labeling, and tracking of regulated medical
waste such that they are effective prior to next beach season.
A. OVERVIEW OF REGULATIONS - DEFINITION (Wastes to be tracked
are recognizable, potential human health and esthetic hazards.
Human health risk is probably not as great as environmental
degradation).
1. Segregation of medical waste.
2. Double - packaging of all regulated medical waste.
3. Labeling regulated medical waste - both packages.
4. Marking - name of generator, transporter (s), treater (if
not disposer).
5. Four - part tracking form covering all waste manifested
and, for small generators (under 501b/mo), transporter initiates
tracking form.
6. Recordkeeping and Reporting:
*
by generators (logs and copies of tracking forms
exception reporting)
*
by transporters (notification, logs and copies
of tracking forms; quarterly reports and
discrepancy reports)
*
treaters (logs and would initiate a new tracking
form to accompany to disposal; discrepancy reports)
disposers (tracking forms and discrepancy reports)
B. SEG EGATION AND TRACKING - (Regulation is not a treatment,
permitting or clean-up proposal, just tracking). This alone should
not be expected to stop all wash-ups.
1. First 5 types included in MWTA:
* cultures and stocks
*
pathological wastes
-2-
* blood and blood products (including blood and IV
bags and blood bandages)
* sharps
* animal waste
2. Isolation wastes where isolation is due to highly
communicable diseases.
3. Also, unused sharps.
C. WASTES NOT REGULATED
1. Small Quantity Generators of 50lbs and under - exempted
only from manifest requirements. (Still must segregate package and
label properly)
2. Household medical wastes exempted, but public education
on proper disposal is critical (i.e., alternatives to flushing).
No new resources allocated for this, however.
3. Those waste that have little potential to cause disease,
are not responsible for beach closings, and have little potential
for physical harm.
4.
This represents a virtual consensus opinion of the
regulated community, Federal agencies involved in infection control
(CDC, NIH), and the regulators (the States)
D. ENFORCEMENT
1. $25,000/day civil penalty
2. $50,000/day criminal penalty
E. RESOURCES
1. No New Resources authorized or appropriated by 100th
Congress, nor included in Reagan's 1990 budget submitted Jan 3,
1989.
2. Estimated administrative costs to participating states:
$350,000/yr for small states for inspections and enforcement;
500,000/yr for bigger states (NJ estimates needing 20 people alone
for implementation of NY/NJ agreement.)
F. STATE PARTICIPATION
1. Currently, estimate 7-8 states will participate: [NY, NJ,
and CT; MI, MT, LA and American Samoa]
-3-
G.
COMMUNICATIONS PLANNED
1. Draft brochure in progress.
2. Press Release and Press Briefing.
3. Congressional and constituency briefings including states
and local governments.
4. Timing - OMB is to review EPA's proposed inter final
regulations in 10 calendar days. After OMB approval, 3 days more
post EPA Administrator's signature for Federal Register notice.
H.
NEXT STEPS
1. March - Notice of those States participating
2. April - distribute outreach materials
3. May - Implement the rules
UNITED
STATES.
AGENCY
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
PROTECTION
DRAFT
OFFICE OF
SOLID WASTE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Interim- Final Rule for the Tracking and Management of
Medical Waste--ACTION MEMORANDUM
FROM:
J. Winston Porter
Assistant Administrator
THRU:
The Deputy Administrator
TO:
The Administrator
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this memorandum is to obtain your signature on
the interim final rule setting forth the regulations for the
medical waste demonstration tracking program. The regulations
are issued under the authority of the Medical Waste Tracking Act
of 1988 and establish standards for segregation, packaging,
labeling, and tracking of medical waste, list the wastes included
in the program, and establish reporting requirements for on-site
incinerators. This regulation must be signed by mid-February so
that the program is in place prior to the beginning of next beach
season.
II. BACKGROUND
Currently there are no Federal regulations governing the
segregation, packaging, labeling, or tracking of medical waste.
These wastes are now considered solid wastes and subject only to
the RCRA Subtitle D criteria; that is, they require no special
handling. The Medical Waste Tracking Act establishes a new
Subtitle J of RCRA, and requires EPA to develop regulations for a
demonstration tracking program that will be effective in a
limited number of States. The Act specifically requires EPA to
do the following:
o
List the medical wastes to be included in the tracking
program;
- 2 -
O
Develop uniform procedures for:
- Segregation
- Packaging
- Labeling
- Tracking and record keeping; and
O
Prepare two interim reports and a final report to
Congress concerning various aspects of medical waste
management and the success of the demonstration
tracking program.
The Act requires EPA to consult with the affected States in
developing the rules. The Agency sponsored a meeting with the
interested States hosted by the National Governors Association on
December 19 and 20 to discuss draft regulations. Also, EPA held
a series of individual meetings with various representatives of
the potentially regulated community, and invited a large group,
including waste generators, Federal officials, environmental
groups, and waste management officials, to review and discuss our
ideas on the regulations at a meeting in Annapolis, Maryland on
November 14-16. Therefore, although there has been no prior
formal proposal of medical waste regulations (i.e., this rule
will be issued in interim final form as allowed by the Act), we
believe that EPA has obtained substantial input from interested
parties.
The Medical Waste Tracking Act also requires EPA to
promulgate the regulations within six months of the enactment of
the legislation, i.e., by May of 1989. The effective date of the
regulations must be within 90 days of the publication date, i.e.,
by September of 1989. Region II requested that we accelerate
the promulgation of the regulations so that they would become
effective before or concurrent with the beginning of beach
season. The Deputy Administrator agreed to this request and we
have, accordingly, accelerated the schedule for this rulemaking.
III. DESCRIPTION OF ACTION
A. TYPES OF WASTE TO BE REGULATED
This rule lists the medical wastes that will be tracked under
the demonstration program. The Act lists five categories of
waste that must be tracked:
- 3 -
1. Cultures and stocks of infectious agents
2. Pathological waste
3. Blood and blood products
4. Used sharps
5. Contaminated animal carcasses.
Five additional categories of medical waste are listed in the
Act that may be excluded from regulation provided that EPA can
show that they present no present or future endangerment to
human health and the environment. They include:
6. Wastes from surgery and autopsy
7. Laboratory wastes
8. Dialysis wastes
9. Discarded medical equipment and parts
10. Isolation wastes.
There is considerable overlap between the two lists (e.g.
pathological wastes are derived from surgery and autopsy).
There was agreement among the participants at the Annapolis
meeting and the State meeting that it was not necessary to
regulate those additional wastes in categories 6 through 9 that
are already listed in categories 1 through 5, and that category
10 should be narrowly defined. They all contended that such
regulation was not necessary to protect human health and the
environment because all wastes of true concern were already
included in categories 1 through 5, it would not be
enforceable, and their inclusion would overburden existing
management systems. This position is supported by the Centers
for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health. We
have continued these discussions with interested parties and
have completed an evaluation of all available information. We
agree that it is not necessary to regulate the additional
wastes included in categories 6 through 9, and that category 10
should be defined narrowly to include only wastes from patients
with highly communicable diseases, as defined by CDC.
Additionally, the statute authorizes EPA to include any
other waste it believes poses a threat to human health and the
environment. We believe that unused sharps pose such a threat
if not properly managed due to their physical hazard. Thus,
wastes in the first five categories, in the narrowly defined
category 10, and unused sharps are termed "regulated medical
waste.'
- 4 -
B. REGULATORY PROVISIONS
The rules require regulated medical waste to be segregated
from other waste at its source, when practicable, double
packaged, and labeled with both the generator's and the
transporter's name and address. The waste must be delivered to
an appropriate disposal facility by an authorized transporter.
A generator-initiated tracking form must accompany all
shipments of medical waste greater than 50 pounds. Small
quantity generators are exempt from preparing a manifest for
shipments of less than 50 pounds but not from any of the other
requirements. The regulations also include record keeping and
reporting requirements, with special emphasis placed on
transporters.
The regulations also contain notification requirements for
transporters and vehicle requirements. Additionally, there are
provisions for consolidating or reassigning wastes to a new
tracking document to reduce the paperwork burden on disposal
facility personnel.
The disposal facility requirements pertain to the use cf
the tracking form, reporting of tracking document
discrepancies, and record keeping.
IV. IMPACTS
A. ENVIRONMENTAL
The interim final rule would substantially increase the
amount of medical waste receiving special handling and
transportation. The effect of this would be to insure that
regulated medical waste arrives at a disposal facility and that
waste handlers and the public are not exposed. While there is
little evidence to suggest that these wastes, when in the
natural environment, pose a substantial health risk to humans,
some pose a physical hazard (puncture by sharps) and all pose
an aesthetic insult. The sources of medical wastes washing up
on our shorelines are not certain; however, combined sewer
overflows and sloppy waste transfer operations at municipal
waste landfills near water may significantly affect these
sources of wash-ups. Thus, while compliance with the
regulations will substantially improve management of large
volumes of medical waste, it will not preclude the possibility
of future incidents of beach wash-ups.
- 5 -
B. INTERMEDIA IMPACTS
Currently, most medical waste is land disposed, sometimes
with prior treatment by autoclaving or incineration. The rules
have been structured so that no one method of treatment or
disposal is favored or discouraged. The main intent of this
regulation is to insure that the waste safely reaches a
disposal facility and is not illegally dumped in the water or
on the land.
C. COSTS
Aggregate costs for the interim final rule would be about
$56 million per year, assuming the ten listed States
participate in the program. Medical waste generators bear
approximately $31 million (55%) of the total compliance costs
of today's rule, with the remaining $25 million in costs being
divided between transporters and disposers. Average annual
compliance costs on a per facility basis range from $3,757 for
hospitals to $71 for dentists, while an overall average
incremental cost increase per pound of medical waste is
approximately $0.08.
D. RESOURCE AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The interim final rule would have resource impacts on both
EPA and the covered States. The enabling legislation requires
EPA to prepare two interim reports and a final report to
Congress. The Agency must collect and analyze the information
required in the report. The States would be responsible for
implementing the program, causing them to set up administrative
staff, as well as expanding their facility inspection programs
and transporter permitting activities. EPA also has to
maintain staff to administer the program and assist the States
with enforcement. We have estimated the total resource needs
for the program to be in the range of 7.5-25.5 FTE, and
$850,000-$4,850,000 for FY89 and FY90 each, depending on how
many States participate and how EPA implements the enforcement
provisions. We will refine these estimates after the close of
the thirty day "opt out/petition in" period.
E. REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS
This rule is not subject to the requirements of the
Regulatory Flexibility Act, because of a finding that a
proposal is impracticable and because of specific statutory
- 6 -
language allowing promulgation without prior opportunity for
public comment. Thus, no Regulatory Flexibility Analysis has
been prepared.
V. MAJOR ISSUES
The following is a discussion of issues that were raised in
meetings the Agency held with members of the regulated
community, environmental groups, and the States. All issues
that were brought up in the workgroup meetings have been
resolved.
A. LISTING OF MEDICAL WASTES
RCRA Section 11002 requires EPA to track all ten wastes
listed in the Act unless a finding of no present or future
threat to human health or the environment can be made for
categories 6 through 10. As explained previously, health care
providers, state health officials, and other government
officials (e.g., CDC and NIH) strongly supported exclusion of
categories 6 through 9 and a very narrowly defined category 10.
Based on the available information, we have concluded that
it is not necessary to regulate wastes from surgery and
autopsy, laboratory wastes, dialysis wastes, discarded
equipment, isolation wastes (except those from highly
communicable diseases), and animal pathological wastes in order
to protect human health. Available information indicates that
these wastes pose little threat and that regulating them would
be burdensome and the regulations would be virtually
unenforceable. Additionally, discussions with officials from
New York and New Jersey indicate that these wastes are not the
types that have contributed to beach closings.
While most groups will endorse this decision, we do not
anticipate that it will be universally supported.
Environmental groups and some members of Congress are likely to
favor broader coverage due to potential aesthetic problems
posed by wastes in categories 6 through 9.
The American Hospital Association provided comment to the
Agency concerning the definition of regulated medical waste.
They recommended that bloody wastes that were saturated with
more than 20 cubic centimeters (cc) of blood be considered a
regulated medical waste under category 3. The Agency
considered this recommendation and agrees that these wastes
- 7 -
should be included; however, a 20 CC free liquid standard would
be difficult to measure or enforce. We determined that, rather
than trying to set such a standard, it would be more
appropriate to include saturated and dripping bloody materials
that contain free liquids under category 3.
B. STATE RESOURCES
State resources for nonhazardous waste activities are
limited and would be strained by the addition of this program.
Officials of many States have indicated they are unlikely to
participate without significant Federal funding.
C. INTERSTATE ENFORCEMENT
The States expressed concern over how violations of the
regulations by disposal facilities in noncovered States will be
addressed. Of particular concern is what happens when a
tracking form is not returned to the generator when the waste
is shipped to a noncovered State for disposal.
Our enforcement strategy indicates that EPA will assume the
role as lead agency responsible for following up on any
interstate shipping problems, if the noncovered State does
not. EPA will take enforcement actions when problems arise to
the extent possible given available resources.
D. VETERINARY WASTES
The Agency decided to exclude veterinary wastes other than
sharps from regulation. This decision was strongly urged by
the Midwestern States. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut
favor their inclusion. However, if we adopt their approach, it
will likely provide additional incentive for several States to
opt out of the demonstration program. We have concluded that
the best approach is not to include these wastes, and
individual States that wish to track such wastes may use their
individual authorities to do so.
VI. EXPECTED REACTIONS TO THE RULE
We anticipate that the healthcare industry will consider
the demonstration program to be costly, overly burdensome, and
unnecessary due to the lack of documentation of a significant
health risk posed by medical wastes. They will, however,
support EPA's decision to narrow the universe of covered
wastes. The waste management industry will generally support
- 8 -
the demonstration program, as will environmental groups,
although environmental groups may oppose the narrowing of the
universe of covered wastes. Most States generally support the
program, particularly with the narrowed universe of covered
wastes. We do not know, however, which States will decide to
opt out or petition in. The decision seems to depend primarily
on the availability of resources, Federal funding levels, and
political factors unique to each State. Additionally, those
States that have, or are developing, permanent programs that
are more comprehensive than the Federal demonstration program
have less incentive to participate.
We do expect some adverse reaction from some members of
Congress, particularly the New Jersey House delegation, to our
decision not to regulate all medical wastes that could
potentially be included in categories 6 through 9. We believe
that the wastes in those categories that might pose a threat to
human health and the environment are included under our
interpretation of categories 1 through 5 (e.g., pathological
wastes from surgery and autopsy are included under category 2
and blood soaked wastes are included under category 3).
Additionally, discussions with New York and New Jersey State
officials indicate that the nonregulated medical wastes
included in categories 6 through 9 are not the wastes
responsible for last summer's beach closings and support our
position to exclude these wastes.
VII. RECOMMENDATION
I recommend that you sign the interim final regulation.
Attachments
Tab A: Preamble
Tab B: Regulation
Tab C: Communication Strategy
UNITED STATES
AGENCY
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
PROTECTION
JAN 25 1989
OFFICE OF
SOLID WASTE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Interim Final Rule for the Tracking and
Management of Medical Waste--TRANSMITTAL
MEMORANDUM
FROM:
J. Liberton Winston Porter
Assistant Administrator
TO:
The Deputy Administrator
Please find attached the interim final rulemaking package for
the Standards for the Tracking and Management of Medical Waste.
I am transmitting this to you in your capacity as Chairman of the
Medical Waste Task Force. As previously agreed, the Task Force
will review this package in lieu of Red Border Review.
This regulation was developed to implement the Medical Waste
Tracking Act of 1988. It establishes segregation, packaging,
labeling, tracking, and record keeping requirements for regulated
medical waste. It defines regulated medical waste and includes a
listing of medical wastes included under that definition. It
also contains provisions for the named States to opt out and
interested States to petition in, as directed by the legislation.
I request that this package be submitted to the Medical Waste
Task Force for their review and approval. To stay on schedule
for a mid-February promulgation, the Task Force must complete its
review by February 2. We have tentatively scheduled a meeting of
the Task Force for that date to accept all final comments.
Attachment
STANDARDS FOR THE TRACKING AND
MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL WASTE
INTERIM FINAL RULE
BACKGROUND
The Medical Waste Tracking Act of 1988 was signed into
law on November 1, 1988.
The Agency has six months from enactment to promulgate
an interim final rule for a demonstration tracking
program in a limited number of States.
EPA believes that it is important that the program be
in place by the beginning of the 1989 beach season.
Therefore, at the request of Region II, and with the
approval of the Deputy Administrator, the schedule was
accelerated to publish the regulations by the end of
February.
THE REGULATION
Contains provisions for the named States to opt out
and interested States to petition in, as directed by
the legislation.
Defines and lists the categories of regulated medical
waste.
Establishes standards for the segregation, packaging,
labeling, tracking, and recordkeeping requirements for
regulated medical waste.
Contains reporting requirements to help administer the
tracking system, including the special incineration
reports specified by the statute.
ISSUES
The Agency made a finding that several waste types
listed in the Act pose no present or potential threat
to human health and the environment and do not warrant
regulation.
States have very limited resources for nonhazardous
waste activities and many States may be unlikely to
participate without substantial Federal funding.
O
The States have expressed concern over how violations
of the regulations by disposal facilities in
noncovered States will be addressed. EPA's
enforcement strategy recognizes that we should place
primary emphasis on problems at these disposal
facilities.
SCHEDULE
O
1/26/89
OSWER distributes draft to Task Force and
Steering Committee members.
o
2/2/89
Task Force meets to resolve all issues.
O
2/3/89
Submission of draft to OMB.
o
2/13/89
OMB completion deadline.
θ
2/17/89
Promulgation package to the Administrator
for signature.
015345SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
3/9/89
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY: 3/10/89 10:00 AM
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
SUBJECT:
ATTORNEYS GENERAL
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
BREEDEN
ROGERS
CARD
WINSTON
PINKERTON
CICCONI
BENNETT
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122, x2930,
by 10:00 AM, Friday, March 10, 1989, with an info copy to my
office. Sorry for the short turnaround. Thank you.
All communis
RESPONSE:
XX
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(Lange/Blessey)
March 9, 1989
1939 MAR -9 PM 5: 49
4:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
doing lately, I know I'm among kindred spirits.
The two outstanding reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my agenda for the
future.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together -- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for debate has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
2
Where dumping of medical waste is concerned, you may
remember my pledge to end the era of the needle on the beach.
Well, we just took the first step. EPA has just established a
medical waste tracking system, to ensure waste
proper disposal facilities.
that need to say goes this to is news.
This pilot program will apply to medical facilities of all
sizes. Some nine states have already agreed to participate.
Those of you who haven't, yet -- let me encourage vou to contact
E.P.A. this month, and get on board in this important effort.
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
This government will work closely with you, on those
environmental questions that only have shared answers. We need
to step up the Superfund clean-up process, and improve
enforcement. Together, we must assure compliance with hazardous
waste laws, and encourage strict enforcement of pesticide use.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those
cases where we must move bevond civil penalties, toward criminal
enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
3
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will give you his thinking on
the environment. You will certainly find him -- today, and over
the course of this Administration -- to be an outstanding ally.
But before I hand over the podium, I want to turn your
attention -- and enlist your support -- on another pervasive
problem: the war on drugs.
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
No. Together we are going to ban this chemical weaponrv.
It breeds the most insidious form of domestic terrorism. And it
will be stopped.
In the budget I presented to Congress last month -- a
budget, by the way, that was the first Executive budget in quite
a while not pronounced "d.o.a." on Capitol Hill -- I've pushed
for an increase of $1 billion for our anti-drug program. That's
a 47 percent increase over 1988, for a total of $6 billion.
Most of that money -- 70 percent of it -- will go toward
grants to state and local law enforcement agencies, to beef up
federal enforcement, and to build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
4
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "Blueprint for Drug
Control Strategies" looks bevond enforcement, to strategies for
cutting the drug problem off at the knees -- beyond effects, to
causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no." But we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how -- to say no.
Let me encourage you to continue looking closely at drug
enforcement programs. Consider how they can help reduce demand
for drugs. To the extent you can do that, you can make your jobs
-- my job -- and those of everyone involved in law enforcement --
a whole lot easier. more inwarding.)
Our resources may be limited -- but our resolve is not.
5
Our task is to win the hearts and minds of every child, teacher,
and parent; every community group, religious institution, and
tenant association; and every business and professional
organization in this country.
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
Let me now turn this party over to Bill Reilly --
Administrator of the E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges
between people -- he's even been called "The Great Includer."
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
March 9, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR JIM CICCONI
FROM;
DENISE SCHWARZ
OFFICE OF CABINET AFFAIRS
SUBJECT;
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS; BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL LOG # 015345SS
We have reviewed the attached EPA and Justice had the same
concerns on the first sentence on page 2. I had EPA talk
directly to Chriss Winston about the wording of the paragraph.
Attachment
CC: Chriss Winston
(Lange/Blessey)
March 9, 1989
1933 MAR -0 0 FII 5: 5:49
4:00 p.m.
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
BRIEFING FOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF ATTORNEYS GENERAL
MARCH 13, 1989
"News" --
President Enlists Attorneys General
in Fight for Environment, War on Drugs
Thank you
I'm very happy to be here.
Judging from the kind of work this association has been
doing lately, I know I'm among kindred spirits.
The two outstanding reports you adopted this winter -- on
environmental protection, and on drug control strategies -- put
you out front on two issues that are central to my agenda for the
future.
The approaches you've taken reinforce my conviction that,
together -- on every front where we have shared concerns -- we're
going to find solutions. We're going to define state and federal
roles that work. And we're going to apply limited resources in a
coordinated manner.
At the federal level, on many environmental issues, I think
the time for debate has passed. So I'm proposing legislation to
reauthorize the Clean Air Act. I want to work with Congress on a
comprehensive acid rain program. And I intend to throw the book
at those who engage in illegal ocean dumping.
2
Where dumping of medical waste is concerned, you may
EPA
has Aprob!
remember my pledge to end the era of the needle on the beach.
-
large
Well, we just took the first step. EPA has just established a
of Nee
on be
medical waste tracking system, to ensure that waste goes to
allies
ditche
proper disposal facilities.
used 6
Kindoo
strik
This pilot program will apply to medical facilities of all
force
sizes. Some nine states have already agreed to participate.
to quot P.
Those of you who haven't, yet -- let me encourage you to contact
the
E.P.A. this month, and get on board in this important effort.
cas
Over the last decade, the states have taken on a leadership
role in protecting our environment -- and that's good news.
This government will work closely with you, on those
environmental questions that only have shared answers. We need
to step up the Superfund clean-up process, and improve
enforcement. Together, we must assure compliance with hazardous
waste laws, and encourage strict enforcement of pesticide use.
And where enforcement of all of the laws that protect our
environment are concerned, I'd like you to think about those
cases where we must move bevond civil penalties, toward criminal
enforcement -- both as a sanction, and as a deterrent.
3
In a few minutes, Bill Reilly will give you his thinking on
the environment. You will certainly find him -- today, and over
the course of this Administration -- to be an outstanding ally.
But before I hand over the podium, I want to turn your
attention -- and enlist your support -- on another pervasive
problem: the war on drugs.
While I'm President, great cities will not be held hostage
by crack dealers. And our schools will not be locked in a state
of siege.
No. Together we are going to ban this chemical weaponrv.
It breeds the most insidious form of domestic terrorism. And it
will be stopped.
In the budget I presented to Congress last month -- a
budget, by the way, that was the first Executive budget in quite
a while not pronounced "d.o.a." on Capitol Hill -- I've pushed
for an increase of $1 billion for our anti-drug program. That's
a 47 percent increase over 1988, for a total of $6 billion.
Most of that monev -- 70 percent of it -- will go toward
grants to state and local law enforcement agencies, to beef up
federal enforcement, and to build up our prosecution, detention,
and intelligence-gathering strength.
4
As chief legal officers, you understand enforcement. You
know how vital it is -- and as my budget makes clear, I want to
devote unprecedented resources to enforcement.
But we must do more. This war won't be won by police work
alone. Where there is demand, supply will always rise to meet
it. Where there is no demand, supply is useless.
That's why I was glad to see that your "Blueprint for Drug
Control Strategies" looks bevond enforcement, to strategies for
cutting the drug problem off at the knees -- beyond effects, to
causes.
Drug education, treatment, and prevention provide our best
hope for a long-term solution -- especially with our kids. Yes,
we need to tell them to "say no." Bu+ we must also give them the
wisdom to know why -- and the skills to know how -- to say no.
Let me encourage you to continue looking closely at drug
enforcement programs. Consider how they can help reduce demand
for drugs. To the extent you can do that, you can make your jobs
-- my job -- and those of everyone involved in law enforcement --
a whole lot easier.
Our resources may be limited -- but our resolve is not.
5
Our task is to win the hearts and minds of every child, teacher,
and parent; every community group, religious institution, and
tenant association; and every business and professional
organization in this countrv.
Together, we can build a culture of zero-tolerance.
We can send a message, loud and clear, to those who take
drugs -- and take our leniency -- for granted: The party
is over.
Let me now turn this partv over to Bill Reilly --
Administrator of the E.P.A. He is a great builder of bridges
between people -- he's even been called "The Great Includer."
He has devoted his career to protecting our land, air, and
water -- and he has my complete confidence.
Thank you all very much. And God bless you.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
March 10, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
NELSON LUND sf
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Briefing for National
Association of Attorneys General
At the request of James W. Cicconi, Counsel's Office has reviewed
the captioned draft presidential remarks. We have no legal
objections.
We note, however, the last sentence of the penultimate paragraph
on page 2, which urges the "strict enforcement of pesticide use. "
We suggest that it would be better to refer to "strict
enforcement of the regulations governing pesticide use."
We appreciate the opportunity to review these draft remarks.
Attachment
CC: James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President and
Deputy to the Chief of Staff