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Environment 5/90 [OA 8486]
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Environment 5/90 [OA 8486]
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Records of the White House Office of Speechwriting (George H. W. Bush Administration)
Speech Backup Chronological Files
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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S
S
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File Backup Files
Subseries:
Chron Files, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13716
Folder ID Number:
13716-010
Folder Title:
Environment 5/90 [OA 8486]
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Section:
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Position:
G
26
20
5
4
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date: October 25, 1989
TO:
Chriss Winston
FROM:
JAMES P. PINKERTON
Deputy Assistant to the President
for Policy Planning
Planting More Trees in Cities
May Slow Global Warming
Most cities in the United States could accommodate more
than twice the number of trees that now line their streets, says
James Kielbaso, a forestry professor from Michigan State Uni-
versity, and those cities are missing out on the cooling and en-
ergy-saving benefits that trees provide.
Kielbaso was one of the researchers in a recent study by
the American Forestry Association, released at the organ-
ization's fourth Urban Forest Conference in St. Louis.
"If we double the number of trees in our cities, we would,
in effect, triple the environmental benefits of trees," Kiel-
baso said. The study was compiled from results of a random
survey of street trees in about 300 U.S. communities.
There are an estimated 60
million street trees in the
nation, Kielbaso said, and an
average of 78 street trees
per mile, spaced an average
of 150 feet apart. He said
that decreasing the space be-
tween each tree to 50 feet
would allow for nearly 100
million new street trees.
A previous study found
that street trees make up
only one tenth of the urban
forest in the nation's cities,
he said, yet they play an im-
WASHINGTON POST HEALTH/OCTOBER 24, 1989
portant role in providing
shade and other benefits to
city dwellers. Kielbaso said
the study showed that only half of 1 percent of city budgets
are spent on trees. Underfunded tree maintenance pro-
grams and difficult growing conditions lead to early mor-
tality rates for trees, he said.
Gary Moll, the AFA's vice president of urban forestry,
said that urban forests have been overlooked too often as
ways to help slow global warming.
The AFA has launched a citizens' tree-planting campaign
called Global ReLeaf, which is aimed at getting 100 million
trees planted in the nation's communities by 1992.
Sugar
EDUCATION WE
American Education's Newspaper of Record
Volume VIII, Number 24, March 8, 1989
Bush Called On
In San Diego, Managers Forging
To Free Funding
They're 'Needed in a Different Way'
For Experiments
By Lynn Olson
Rule Waivers Said Way
SAN DIEGO-From the outside, this school district's boxy pale-
orange headquarters, sitting squatly in the California sunshine,
To Spur School Reform
looks like the very embodiment of the old factory model of school-
ing.
By Lynn Olson
But inside the administrative offices for the San Diego Unified
School District word has gone out that the prior rules for working
President Bush and the Congress should
with schools no longer apply.
free selected school districts from rules gov-
Approximately 35 schools in this 117,000-student district are
erning federal aid for lisadvantaged young-
in the process of "restructuring" their programs: making any
sters so they can use the funds in innovative
changes deemed necessary to improve student learning.
ways, a national policy-analysis group pro-
And the central-office staff members who oversee those
poses in a new blueprint for advancing
schools-and all 118 others in the district-have been warned
school reform.
that they, too, are expected to change.
In exchange, the districts would be ex-
Instead of serving as the monitors and enforcers of district poli-
pected to set and meet performance stan-
cy, these middle managers are to become the "enablers" and "faci-
Group counseling at San D
dards for poor and minority students that
litators" of reform.
far exceed current expectations.
All parts of the organization need to devise new ways of doing
with greater flexibility an
The National Center on Education and
business, explains Ruben A. Carriedo, assistant superintendent
San Diego's effort to reth
the Economy, which developed the plan,
for planning, research, and evaluation. "We can't just expect it
schools but of the entire S
compares the wave of innovation that could
from our schools."
central dilemma in the res
result from such an initiative to the sweep-
Eventually, district leaders hope to provide all schools here
ing experimentation in welfare reform that
states engaged in prior to the passage of
new federal welfare legislation last year.
The lessons learned from those experi-
Needs of the Emotionally Disturbed
S
ments formed the basis for the current fed-
eral welfare policy, the center suggests,
saying, "We believe something similar is
Emerging in Debate on Federal Law
B
called for in this case."
The proposal is contained in a report by
By Debra Viadero
Huff. "She was never offered psychological
T
the center on the federal role in education.
services, and, as parents, we didn't know
It is the first policy document to be generat-
When Kristin Huff first started having
where to turn. It was just a nightmare."
ed by the new organization since it was
problems with her schoolwork at the age of
The Huffs' nightmare is one shared by
formed a year ago by Marc S. Tucker, for-
6, teachers at her Wichita, Kan., elementa-
many parents of seriously emotionally dis-
T
mer director of the Carnegie Forum on Edu-
ry school labeled her "learning disabled"
turbed children, experts in special educa-
appi
cation and the Economy.
and placed her in a special-education pro-
tion and the mental-health fields maintain.
trict
The report was scheduled to be released
gram.
Called by some the "most neglected" of all
assi{
this week by the center's 25-member board
At age 12, when the emotionally troubled
special-education populations, these chil-
both
of directors, which includes John Sculley,
youngster repeatedly tried to kill herself,
dren, like Kristin, have long been either
mun
president and chief executive officer of Ap-
the school's response was no different. Kris-
undiagnosed, shunted off to residential hos-
BI
ple Computer Inc.; former Gov. James B.
tin continued to receive special-education
pitals far from their homes, expelled from
supp
Hunt Jr. of North Carolina; Hillary R. Clin-
services for her learning disability and lit-
school, or simply lost in the juvenile-justice
to w]
ton, wife of Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas;
tle else.
system.
nate
and David Rockefeller Jr., vice chairman of
When, at 16, a struggle with anorexia
Now, however, a coalition of parents,
ing.
Rockefeller Family & Associates Inc.
nervosa caused Kristin's weight to drop to
educators, and mental-health professionals
In
According to the board's report, "To Secure
76 pounds, her educational status again re-
is working to end such nightmares. And,
becoi
Our Future: The Federal Role in Education,"
mained unchanged.
when federal lawmakers sit down this-
have
the challenge facing the United States "is to
"She was never identified as behavior-
month to begin the process of reauthorizing
threa
Continued on Page 24
24
EDUCATION
WEEK
MARCH
8,
1989
WASHINGTON
rently underwritten by some $1.6
Bush Urged To Spur Innovation With Rule Waivers
million in funding. including grants
from the State of New York, the Car-
ment agreed to those standards,
President declare a goal of match-
learn. And it advocates strengthen-
negie Corporation of New York, the
Continued from Page 1
then educators at the local level
ing the mathematics and science
ing programs that combat adult il-
Rockefeller Brothers Trust, and the
could pool available funds as they
performance of students in all oth-
literacy and improve training for
Eastman-Kodak Foundation.
provide an elite education for every-
wished and design programs they
er countries by a certain date, and
the workforce.
Its next national project will ex-
one."
thought would be most effective.
then create a Cabinet-level council
The center does not put a price tag
amine the skills needed by the
"The top fifth must be raised so
To create high-performance
to devise a national strategy for do-
on any of its proposals. But Mr.
American workforce, with a particu-
that it is the equal in performance of
schools, the report states, districts
ing so.
Tucker maintained that the "design
lar emphasis on how to prepare stu-
any country's top fifth," the report
could combine funds provided by
In particular, it advocates the cre-
initiatives," in particular, would not
dents who go directly from high
states. "At the same time, the per-
Chapter 1 remedial education, spe-
ation of new science, mathematics,
require a great deal of money to im-
school into the job market.
formance of the bottom fifth must be
cial gual
and technology curricula-under a
plement.
The center is also focusing on
pushed far above where it is now."
the program, and
federal initiative like that following
The center's report is aimed pri-
ways to develop better measure-
To do so, the report calls on Presi-
related state and federal intiatives.
dent Bush to set broad national goals
To Improve the transition from
in education and job training that
school to work, it says, districts could
would ensure that America meets or
pool resources from certain provisions
"Federal programs for the disadvantaged are typically structured in
exceeds the performance of its inter-
of the Job Training Partnership Act,
national competitors by the year
the Vocational Education Act, the
ways that do not reward the improvement of student progress. In fact,
2000 The document is adapt-
Adult Basic Education Act, and other
ed from a letter sent to Mr. Bush
programs focused on dropout preven-
the incentives are perverse. Money is withdrawn if success is
shortly before his inauguration.
tion at the state and federal levels.
achieved.
It lays out a number of proposals
And to integrate social services
[S]eparate bureaucracies control and deliver separate
intended to help produce a "world-
for children, the report suggests, lo-
programs that typically carve kids into separate pieces.
class system for education and train-
cal officials could combine funding
ing.' These include recommendations
streams that now flow separately to
- The National Center on Education and the Economy
to expand early-childhood education,
education, welfare, social-services,
improve the mathematics and science
health, juvenile-justice, and child-
curriculum, apply new information
protection agencies.
technology within the schools, and
In each case, the participating com-
the Soviet Union's launch of Sput-
marily at President Bush, the Con-
ment and accountability systems
combat adult illiteracy.
munity would receive funding equal.
nik in 1958.
gress, and state policymakers.
within education.
But the centerplece of the docu-
to its normal allocation under exist-
It also urges high-technology
Mr. Sculley, chairman of the
Unlike its predecessor, the Car-
ment's policy statement is its pro-
ing rules and regulations. In addition,
businesses and the military to apply
N.C.E.E. board, met with Mr. Bush
negie Forum on Education and the
posal for three broad experiments-
it would receive a bonus of approxi-
recent advances in information
shortly before he took office to dis-
Economy, the new national center
mately 5 to 10 percent to encourage
technologies to education.
cuss the appropriate federal role in
is also devoting a portion of its time
risk-taking and innovation.
For example, the report suggests,
education. The White House has ap-
to carrying out its policy recom-
the President could engage the tal-
'Emphasis on Performance'
proached another member of the
mendations within a local setting:
ents of these industries in the con-
center's board, David Rockefeller
the city of Rochester. N.Y., where
The report cautions that its de-
struction of a "national communica-
Jr., about meeting with the Presi-
it is based.
sign initiatives are not a call to "de-
tions network," which would be used
dent in the near future.
Copies of "To Secure Our Future:
regulate" the system or to revive the
by students of all ages to exchange
The Federal Role in Education,"
earlier notion of federal block grants
television and computer-based in-
Future Plans
can be purchased for $7.50 each
to states.
struction and information.
In addition, Mr. Tucker said, the
from the National Center on Edu-
Rather, their purpose is to radical-
The report also urges the federal
center is trying to arrange meetings
cation and the Economy, 39 State
ly change the way the system is reg-
government to provide more fund-
with Secretary of Education Lauro
St., Suite 500, Rochester, N.Y.
ulated, it says, by "putting the em-
ing for child care and other pro-
F. Cavazos, and with members of
14614. All orders must be prepaid
phasis squarely on performance."
grams that ensure that youngsters
Congress and their aides.
by check or accompanied by a pur-
Districts could continue to pool re-
arrive at school healthy and ready to
The center's activities are cur-
chase order.
sources and ignore prevailing regu-
Marc S. Tucker, director of the
lations only if they met the stan-
Rochester, N.Y., center.
dards they had set, the report notes.
If they did not make "steady and
referred to as "design initiatives"-
substantial progress" toward their
that would significantly alter the re-
predetermined goals, then all prior
4MAT Training Creates Results
lationship of federal and state gov-
rules and regulations would go back
ernment to local school districts.
into effect.
According to the report, its pro-
'Perverse Incentives'
It will change the way you
posals could be achieved without
According to the report, the current
any changes in existing federal pro-
think about staff development
structure of many federal programs
grams. It urges that the Congress
"has become a part of the problem
simply grant a general waiver au-
rather than of the solution."
thority to Cabinet secretaries to be
"Federal programs for the disad-
used under certain conditions.
The success of a staff development
Excel, Inc. is offering a series of
vantaged are typically structured in
Federal agencies could then enter
ways that do not reward the im-
into negotiations with selected cities
seminar is evidenced by the enthu-
4MAT seminars this summer. Funda-
provement of student progress," the
and counties, following a competiti-
siasm and response it generates
mental, Intermediate and Advanced
report argues. "In fact, the incen-
on among interested states and
among participants.
Training are available. Upon com-
tives are perverse. Money is with-
school districts.
drawn if success is achieved."
"[W]e would not begin by chang-
pletion of The Advanced Seminar,
In programs ranging from bilin-
ing the federal programs that are
With 4MAT, teachers are inspired to
participants may be eligible to con-
gual education to special education, it
now in place," the report asserts.
immediately apply seminar material
duct 4MAT training.
says, "separate bureaucracies control
"What we have in mind is a very
in the classroom. 4MAT training is
and deliver separate programs that
large experiment that would pro-
typically carve kids into separate
vide the information needed for a
designed to motivate teachers and
Fundamental Training Seminar
pieces and make it difficult to build
general redrafting of the basic feder-
provide concrete and realistic
July 6 8, 1989, Chicago, Illinois
initiatives that work for the student."
al programs later."
means for application.
Presented by Bernice McCarthy,
To remedy that fragmentation, the
In an interview last week, Mr.
creator of The 4MAT System
report proposes a series of experi-
Tucker, president of the national
ments that would free at least 10to 15
center, speculated that the experi-
Teachers bring a new attitude and
school districts around the country
ments could last up to five years,
technique to the classroom. And
Intermediate Training Seminar
from many of the existing program-
after which changes in federal legis-
July 10-13, Chicago, Illinois
this directly affects the students
matic constraints in order to design
lation might be forthcoming.
July 18-21, Edison, New Jersey
"high-performance schools."
To make such experiments work,
ability and desire to learn.
These "design initiatives" would
the report adds, the federal govern-
Advanced Training Seminar
operate primarily in central cities
ment would need to invest more mon-
4MAT creates results.
August 6-11, Durham,
and rural communities where there
ey in statistical and educational re-
New Hampshire
is a high concentration of poverty.
search. And it would have to make
And they would focus on restructur-
funds available to states to help them
ing the schools, improving the
determine new student outcomes, re-
school-to-work transition, and inte-
design teacher-education programs,
grating social services for children.
and take other steps needed to suc-
Ask about our new product brochure at booth number 321, ASCD
Within each district, educators
cessfully restructure schools.
would be invited to propose ambi-
tious goals for students that they
Other Recomendations
considered attainable if existing
The report also makes recommen-
EXCEL, INC.
200 West Station Street
dations in a number of other areas.
Barrington, IL 60010
312-382-7272
rules and regulations were lifted.
800-822-4MAT
Ifthe state and the federal govern-
It suggests, for example, that the
Educator uses new life to fight illiteracy
By JODI MAILANDER
estimates that far more people - as
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer
SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT
many as 60 million, or one-third of all
PALM BEACH GARDENS - In 1973,
adults - do not read well enough to
John Henry Martin came to Florida to
function in society.
die.
Now 74, Martin is credited with help-
Martin's own mortality inspired his
After suffering a severe heart attack
ing nearly 2 million people unlock the
efforts. In a tale that runs contrary to his
in 1973 at his home in upstate New York,
mystery of the written word. The creator
ornery, no-nonsense reputation, Martin
the 58-year-old educator was hospitalized
of several IBM-based literacy programs,
sheepishly tells of what he calls his "stan-
for 30 days, then sent home to die. His
his work can be found in 5,000 schools and
dard after-life experience."
wife, Evelyn, brought him to Stuart, hop-
540 adult education centers around the
Somewhere between the emergency
ing the climate would extend his life for a
country.
few more weeks.
Three of the adult classes are in Palm
room and an intensive care unit, Martin
A year of idleness finally drove him to
Beach County, and a Martin County ele-
recalls "dying." With the sense of being
pick up where a lifetime as a teacher,
mentary school uses one of his programs.
an observer, Martin says, he took a mov-
principal and superintendent had left off.
Martin's use of computers to-battle
ie-like journey to Hades and crossed the
illiteracy was one of the first nationally
River Styx. There, he met his hero, Odys-
The Martins invested their retirement
dollars in phonographs, tape recorders,
recognized efforts to use modern technol-
seus, who told him, "Go back; it's not your
ogy to help the 26 million American
turn."
John Henry Martin is credited with
typewriters - and later computers -
helping 2 million people learn how
and began what Martin modestly calls a
adults who cannot read.
to read.
hobby: teaching people how to read.
The U.S. Department of Education
Please see ILLITERACY/4B
Educator makes
A high school dropout who re-
First four students
B
THE PALM BEACH POST
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1989
turned to earn his diploma at age
Martin's fascination with illit-
20, Martin has become an educa-
tor's educator, continuing to ex-
eracy began when he was a high
plore the hows and whys of learn-
school principal in Long Island,
WHERE To Go FOR HELP
illiteracy fight
where four boys sent to his office to
ing. His ideas incorporate the
If you know a non-reader, these organizations provide classes that
unlikely combination of research
be disciplined revealed, among
can help them. If you can read this, these groups will gladly train you
from Jerome Bruner, B.F. Skinner,
their faults, that they could not
Maria Montessori and Thomas
read. Martin, who says illiteracy
as a tutor.
Palm Beach County Schools Adult Education Department
Dewey; his private library runs the
breeds dropouts, juvenile delin-
West Palm Beach-Jupiter-Wellington: 683-3399
new life's work
gamut from Dr. Seuss to Marshall
quents and adult crime, began his
McLuhan's The Medium Is the
first attempt at reading lessons
Delray Beach-Boca Raton: 243-2880
Belle Glade-Pahokee: 924-7000
Message.
with those teenage boys.
Palm Beach County Library System
What you won't find on his
Today, his most famous pro-
West Palm Beach-Jupiter-Wellington: 845-4600
ILLITERACY/from 1B
"He is the orneriest man I've
shelves, though, is anything close to
gram - Writing to Read - allows
Delray Beach-Boca Raton: 265-0299
ever known," says James Dezell,
the Dick-and-Jane primers many
children to use a variety of senses
Belle Glade-Pahokee: 996-9644
When he talks about his experi-
vice president and general manag-
people remember from their early
to learn how to read on a personal
Palm Lake Baptist Association Literacy Mission Fellowship
ence, Martin seems somewhat em-
er of IBM Educational Systems.
reading days. The method of forc-
computer that has the ability to
Lake Worth: 964-4701
barrassed, but his steel-blue eyes
"He loves children and hates peo-
ing whole words into young minds
"talk." Martin's two daughters are
Martin County Literacy Council
dare mockery at the same time.
ple. He is a true genius, scholar and
without focusing on how the words
the voices on two of his programs.
Stuart: 288-0077
"When I told my wife what had
child advocate."
sound makes Martin's white hair
Marketed by International
happened to me, she asked me
Martin says a key to the adult
stand on end.
Business Machines Corp., Writing
never to repeat it to anybody be-
literacy problem is to make it easi-
"We've always known that if
to Read shows children what object
cause it sounds insane," he says. "I
er for children to learn to read.
you touch, see and hear it, you'll
is represented by a word, how the
talk about it sometimes now be-
He recalls with a hint of sadness
learn it," Martin says. "We still
word sounds and where its letters
cause people are more open to that
and humor how his wife, who died
teach reading by only the eyes. It's
belong in the alphabet.
kind of thing. I'm no eccentric."
two years ago, used to complain
as if we've invisibly handcuffed
In another stage of the pro-
Everything about Martin, from
about the holes in the knees of his
children as they walked into the
gram, children use slates and
his pressed business suit to his
business suits - the result of hours
classroom - 'Look teacher, no
chalk, modeling clay, books, sand
purposeful walk, supports that
spent kneeling on the floor, work-
hands.'
and pipe cleaners to shape out
claim. But friends describe him in
ing with kindergartners.
letters, words and sentences.
different terms.
Personal computers arrive
Martin is not without his critics,
though. Several literacy groups
Learning to write first
Martin arrived at his theory of
have complained that the cost of
Martin's program encourages
learning to write before learning to
his programs - an average Writ-
read in a Martin County classroom
ing to Read lab runs about $15,000
children to write before they can
loaned in 1976 to him and his wife,
- is excessive and limits its avail-
read, in contrast to other methods
a retired nurse who was his re-
ability.
of teaching that focus on reading
first. Students learn to use 42 pho-
search partner until her death in
Another group, the North Caro-
nemes - sounds such as "ch" or
1987. Superintendent James Na-
lina Center for Literacy Develop-
vitsky, who retired this year, of-
ment, finds fault with Martin's
"ee" that make up the English
language - instead of standard
fered the space for the Martins'
adult literacy program, which uses
experiments at J.D. Parker Ele-
an animated story of how the al-
spelling.
Without worrying about correct
mentary near the couple's home in
phabet was created. Arlene Fin-
Stuart.
spelling, grammar or punctuation,
geret, a researcher at the center,
5-year-old students create stories
The arrival of personal comput-
says adults have a hard time relat-
that sound out their thoughts: I love
ers in the late '70s inspired Martin
ing to the cartoon, which she con-
mi mother mor then mi hermit
to buy his own and create his first
siders sexist and racist.
program sitting at his dining room
"The female characters in the
crab. I love mi ToT mor then thir
is sand on the bech and stars in
table. Ever-changing technology
fable are always in weaker posi-
the ski.
forced him to eventually buy the
tions," Fingeret says. "It's also a
Martin pooh-poohs any notions
computer talents of others.
very white fable. There is only one
of his method creating a generation
After two years of testing Writ-
black person in the story."
of horrendous spellers.
ing to Read on 10,000 children,
Martin says the criticism has no
"Children are taught right away
Martin's program hit the market in
foundation. Each of the eight char-
to revere conventional spelling so
1984 with proof that its pupils
acters in his story represents one of
that mispelling a word fills them
spelled, wrote and read better than
the major races of the world, he
with guilt and sin," Martin says. "If
those in comparison groups. The
says. The strongest character is a
they are taught to sound out words
program is used in thousands of
husky Scandanavian woman
schools in the United States, South
at the age of 5 or 6, then when they
named Tall Inga, who actually flips
America and South Africa. Jensen
a man in the fable. The one black
Beach Elementary in Martin Coun-
character, whose name was
ty is among them.
changed from Black Olive to Sharp
SPOTLIGHT Is ON
The success of Writing to Read
Olive after a teacher complained
spawned two related programs: a
about the racist connotations, is the
Each Sunday in Local
Spanish version called Voy A Leer
group's major intellectual.
News, Spotlight focuses
Escribiendo and another called
"No blacks ever objected to the
on the issues, places and
Principle of the Alphabet Literacy
program. We only changed the
personalities making news
System, targeted at teaching adults
name to appease the white liber-
in Palm Beach and
basic literacy skills.
als," Martin says.
Okeechobee counties.
The adult program is now being
Martin says he comes from a
used in Palm Beach County, where
family of feminists and took great
the School Board has teamed up
care to give women primary roles
see it spelled right, they will be
with the Private Industry Council
in the fable, just as they had playea
able to say, 'That's a silly way to
to provide lessons in Riviera
in his life. He credits his second
spell a word.' Then the child learns
Beach, Belle Glade and Lake
spurt of energy in a time most use
to spell the silly word and is psy-
Worth. More than 120 adults have
for retirement to his Irish grand-
chologically on top of the problem.
graduated from the program in its
mother, who rebuffed the British-
They're more in control of the
1½ years by improving their skills
influenced attitude that modera-
language."
by at least three reading levels.
tion is virtue.
"It's out there, and it's work-
"She told me that if anything is
ing," said Susan Pittman, a pro-
worth doing," Martin says. "do it in
gram specialist for the school dis-
excess."
trict's adult and community
education department.
Education News Release
International Business Machines Corporation
IBM Educational Systems
P.O. Box 2150
Atlanta, GA 30055
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE
AUGUST 28, 1989
CONTACT: Peter Fleischer
Hill and Knowlton
(212) 697-5600
Laurie Olsen
Hill and Knowlton
(404) 688-7820
COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM CAN AFFECT DROPOUT RATES & ILLITERACY,
ACCORDING TO SURVEY OF NATION'S TEACHERS
ATLANTA, August 28, 1989 -- Nearly two-thirds of teachers
polled believe that greater use of computers in the classroom could
help fight the high dropout rates currently plaguing American
education, according to a nationwide survey released today.
The nationwide phone survey of 1,100 teachers, conducted this
summer by The Wirthlin Group and funded by IBM, found that 64
percent believe that computers can help reduce dropout rates by
stimulating students most at risk of dropping out.
Official estimates have placed the dropout rate at between 27
and 33 percent, meaning that more than one out of four high school
freshmen going back to school this fall will fail to graduate with
their class. The cost to the nation has been estimated to be as
high as $240 billion annually.
-more-
COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM CAN AFFECT DROPOUT RATES & ILLITERACY
Page Two
The survey of teachers, titled the "Computer Report Card: How
Teachers Grade Computers in the Classroom," "is one of the most
extensive studies of teachers' attitudes about the increasing use of
computers in the classroom," according to James E. Dezell, IBM Vice
President and General Manager of IBM Educational Systems.
"Teachers are the most qualified experts on what techniques work
and don't work in the classroom. It is clear from this survey that
teachers believe computer technology can enhance learning and help
solve some of the most pressing problems facing our education system
today, " he said.
In addition to helping reduce the dropout rate, the survey found
that teachers believe computers in the classroom can also be a major
weapon in the war against illiteracy.
Eighty-two percent of those polled said use of computer-based
writing and reading programs in the early grades could help improve
student literacy skills. of those expressing an opinion, 82 percent
recommended that students be introduced to computers during
elementary school -- 41 percent said no later than first grade.
An overwhelming number of teachers (85 percent) said that
computers have already had a positive effect on the quality of
education for students -- by helping students learn more and by
allowing for more individualized instruction. In addition:
82 percent of teachers using computers said they improve
student motivation;
-more-
COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM CAN AFFECT DROPOUT RATES & ILLITERACY
Page Three
86 percent said computers can help unlock students'
creativity and (87%) make them more self-confident;
74 percent said students who are not computer literate will\
not be adequately prepared for college; and,
70 percent said computer programs incorporating
sophisticated multimedia such as audio and video-disc help
reach students with important messages about drug and
alcohol abuse, sexuality and other life-style issues.
An even larger number (88 percent) called for some form of
government funding to expand the use of computers in the classroom
SO that students from different financial backgrounds would have
equal access to quality education. Ninety percent agreed that not
having access to computers puts students from less affluent schools
at a learning disadvantage.
Nearly 70 percent said the greatest roadblock to more effective
use of computers is the limited financial resources available in
their school systems.
Nearly 60 percent said that most teachers are inadequately
trained to use computers. Over half of the teachers polled (52
percent) said their students are more computer literate than they
are.
With respect to the impact of computerization on the teaching
profession itself, 85 percent said not having computer skills will
-more-
COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM CAN AFFECT DROPOUT RATES & ILLITERACY
Page Four
make it tougher for teachers to find jobs in the future. Sixty-one
percent said that more widespread use of computers in education could
help attract others to the profession.
Seventy-five percent agreed that computers allow teachers to
spend more time with their students; 79 percent said they help
teachers identify individual students' strengths and weaknesses; 74
percent said they permit teachers to be more creative in their
instruction; and 62 percent said computers could help to reduce
classroom discipline problems.
"Teachers who have experienced technology in the classroom know
it possesses awesome power in reaching students; but they also
recognize that there needs to be greater commitment to tapping that
power," said Dezell. "Training takes time and money, but there is
no question that we must commit these resources if we are to ensure
that the technology brings about real results."
According to Dezell, the survey demonstrates that while teachers
are enthusiastic about the potential of computers, 31% of those
interviewed felt that computers were not being used effectively in
American education.
"By the time a young person graduates, he or she has spent
20,000 hours in front of a TV set and only 12,000 hours in the
classroom," said Dezell. "Teachers must be given the resources to
compete for students' attention -- and win. Our mission is to
-more-
COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM CAN AFFECT DROPOUT RATES & ILLITERACY
Page Five
harness technology and redirect its energy to create the most
engaging, responsive education environment ever developed."
The nationwide telephone survey of teachers was conducted July
6-9 by The Wirthlin Group, a national public opinion research firm.
All respondents were teachers of grades between pre-kindergarten and
twelfth grade. of the respondents, 66 percent use computers for
instruction. In 1988, the federal government estimated that more
than 95 percent of the nation's schools use some computer technology
in teaching. The IBM survey -- and other sources -- place the
percentage of schools using computers at 98 percent.
# # #
HILL AND KNOWLTON
Hill and Knowlton, Inc.
International Public Relations Counsel
Suite 1200, South Tower
One CNN Center
Atlanta, Georgia 30303-2705
404 688-7820
Ken Willis
September 22, 1989
Ms. Chriss Winston
Deputy Assistant to the President
Old Executive Office Building
Room #122
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Chriss:
While the plans for the President's speech at the education summit
are, of course, not public, I wanted to offer you some information
in case the President decides to discuss the possibilities for
technology in education.
In our representation of IBM Educational Systems, we have come to
the conclusion that just as technology has helped keep America
competitive in business, it will also help restore America's
leadership in education.
According to a recent survey conducted by The Wirthlin Group for
IBM, the nation's teachers believe that computers are already
improving the quality of education and can play a key role in
cutting the dropout rate, reduce illiteracy, improve motivation,
self-confidence, creativity and even discipline problems and
attendance. It is worth noting that 74% of our teachers say that
students who are not computer literate will not be adequately
prepared for college.
Some examples of the role technology is playing in the education
of America's children include:
In Kentucky's McCreary County (Governor Wallace Wilkinson)
-- the heart of poverty-stricken Appalachia -- children are
accustomed to living in houses with dirt floors and windows
which are nothing more than holes covered with plastic
bags. Dropout rates were incredibly high -- students were
leaving school as early as the fifth grade. Then the
schools introduced Writing to Read, a revolutionary
computer-based program teaching students to write what they
can say and read what they can write. Not only did scores
increase, students are now waking up their parents before
dawn to get extra time on the computers.
A boy living outside Denver (Governor Roy Romer) and
suffering from poorly developed motor skills grew
HILL AND KNOWLTON
Ms. Chriss Winston
September 22, 1989
Page Two
frustrated because he couldn't read his own handwriting.
Using computer-based Writing to Read, both his test scores
and confidence increased because he was able to use the
keyboard to put his thoughts on paper and read them to his
classmates.
A functionally illiterate Minnesota (Governor Rudy Perpich)
woman, enrolled in Principle of the Alphabet Literacy
System, an adult-version of WTR. Within a year she
increased her reading ability 5.5 grade levels.
Stigmatized since high school because of her inability to
read, she was able to receive her driver's license for the
first time and can now help her children with their
homework.
Mississippi (Governor Ray Mabus) has long been plagued by
education problems, with test scores often ranking among
the lowest in the nation. A unique partnership formed
between the state, a charitable foundation of businesses
called the Riordan Foundation and IBM has pledged to put
Writing to Read in every kindergarten in an effort to
eradicate illiteracy.
Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, South
Carolina (Governor Carol Campbell) is a prime example of
how technology can positively affect education. Burdened
with high dropout rates and teacher burn-out, the school
is using computers for everything from teaching math to
planning lessons and keeping attendance. A computer-
generated phone call informs parents when their child
misses more than one class. Moreover, the school's dropout
rate fell from 34 percent to four percent.
In addition, enclosed you will find a copy of the survey and a
recent article from the Palm Beach Post about Dr. John Henry
Martin, the developer of IBM's Writing to Read program. Dr. Martin
is a prime example of what Americans can do to improve education
for all children.
Chriss, these are just some of the ways technology is improving
education -- for children and adults. If you have any questions
or would like more information about the survey or these stories,
please call me at 404/688-7820.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kee Willi
Bush and Governors Set Education Goals
By BERNARD WEINRAUB
added that the Federal Government
money spent on education, Mr. Bush
Special to The New York Times
was committed to "more Federal sup-
squarely left the details and the burden
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., Sept. 28
port" for preschool programs like
of substantial education changes in
- President Bush and the nation's
Head Start for poor children.
their hands.
Governors agreed today on the need to
Overall, said the beaming Mr. Bush,
Mr. Bush had called the rare meeting
overhaul the nation's education system
"This has been historic."
with the governors largely because of
by creating a set of goals that will focus
on eliminating illiteracy, reshaping
Test of Financing
the consensus with the Government
and the education establishment that
curriculums and holding teachers ac-
But some Democratic governors, in-
American schools were in turmoil and
countable for their performance.
cluding Michael S. Dukakis of Massa-
that the education system was inc reas-
We believe that the time has come.
chusetts, said it was too early to fore-
ingly lagging behind those of other in-
for the first time in U.S. history, to es-
cast the agreement's scope and effec-
dustrial democracies,
tablish clear, national performance
liveness.
goals, goals that will make us interna-
"There's good news in the sense that
More Than Three R's
tionally competetive," said the joint
50 governors and the Administration
In his speech at midday. Mr. Bush
statement issued here at the end of a
seem to be committed to improving the
said his Administration envisioned
two-day meeting called by Mr. Bush to
quality of our schools," said Mr. Duka-
"tradition-shattering reform in five
discuss education. The statement was
kis. the President's opponent in the
areas."
written by the White House staff, Ad-
1988 campaign. "But the test for all of
"First. I see the day when every stu-
ministration officials and a bipartisan
us will be over the next couple of
dent is literate," he said. "But literacv
group of governors.
months. It means not only deciding who
should mean more than the three R's.'
Earlier today, in a speech to the gov-
does what, but who pays for it." But
We must be a reading nation. We must
ernors, Mr. Bush said: "The American
most of the Democratic governors
grapple with the hard sciences."
people are ready for radical reforms.
Mr. Bush also said students my I do
We must not disappoint them.
more than identify names on a multi-
"Education is our most enduring
ple-choice question. They must under-
legacy, vital to everything we are and
'Will we be
stand the generosity of Andrew Carne-
can become," Mr. Bush said. "And
gie, the genius of Alexander Graham
come the next century - just 10 years
children of the
Bell and the heroism of Rosa Parks."
away - what will we be? Will we be
Mr. Bush's second proposal centered
children of the Enlightenment or its or-
Enlightenment or
on "diversity" in classroom curricu-
phans?"
lums and standards. Current lessons
'The First Step'
and procedures are often too rigid to
its orphans?'
meet the needs of the diverse ethnic
Specific goals and details will be
groups of students around the nation,
shaped by the White House and gover-
White House officials said.
nors to be ready for a meeting of the
"Of course all schools in a state will
National Governors' Association in
spoke positively, even warmly, about
share a core curriculum and minimum
Washington in February.
the agreement.
Mr. Bush won praise from several
standards of achievement," Mr. Bush
"This agreement represents the first
said. "But the means by which that
step in a long-term commitment to
union leaders.
reorient the education system and to
Albert Shanker, president of the
curriculum is taught, and those goals
marshal widespread support for the
American Federation of Teachers, said
met, should be as diverse and varied as
America."
needed reforms," the statement said.
Mr. Bush's speech "defined a vision of
These were the President's other
Mr. Bush and the governors said that
education that was not public rela-
the caliber of the education system and
tions."
proposals:
the nation's economic future were inex-
Mr. Shanker said he was surprised
IGiving parents more choice in se-
tricably intertwined. Developing a na-
that Mr. Bush had offered some "radi-
lecting the schools they want their chil-
dren to attend. "Children differ in their
tional strategy that includes new direc-
cally different proposals" that de-
parted from the ideas of conservative
interests, learning styles and capabil-
tions for education, Mr. Bush said, is
pivotal to the nation's well-being.
educators, notably in emphasizing the
ities," said Mr. Bush. "I see the day
The overall proposals carried few
notion of diverse, nonrigid curriculums
when choice among schools will be the
surprises, but they were hailed as the
to meet the needs of students of differ-
norm rather than the exception."
first time any President had outlined a
ing ethnic and geographic back-
"Developing more accountability,
framework for the Federal Govern-
grounds.
where teachers, principals and admin-
istrators must clearly answer for poor
ment and states to work together to re-
Hailed as a First
performances "We must now evaluate
form the nation's ailing schools.
The joint agreement was announced
ourselves on a tougher grading curve,
Triumph for Bush
hours after Mr. Bush addressed the
one that includes that other major in-
For Mr. Bush, who pledged in his
governors, Cabinet officers, education
dustrial nations," Mr. Bush said.
campaign to serve as the "education
officials and students and faculty
"Exploiting the potential of every
President," the agreement repre-
members at the university.
student, not only those who are gifted,
sented a triumph and clearly achieved
The agreement was also the first
but also the "average students" and
one immediate goal, focusing attention
time that the nation's governors,
the disadvantaged.
on education, not just for the two days
Democrats and Republicans, had
"Some of our reforms and experi-
of meetings here but with the many
agreed to forge a national education
ments are sure to come up short," said
special reports on education appearing
strategy.
Mr. Bush. "But for too many of our
all week.
"This is the first time in the history
schools, experimentation is preferable
"This is a major step forward in
of this country that we have ever
to the status quo, because the status
education," said Mr. Bush, standing
thought enough of education and ever
quo could scarcely be worse."
near the sun-drenched steps of the ro-
understood its significance to our eco-
"After two centuries of progress,"
tunda on the University of Virginia
nomic future enough to commit our-
Mr. Bush told the governors, "we are
campus. "We've reached agreement
selves to national performance goals,"
stagnant."
on the need for national performance
said Gov. Bill Clinton of Arkansas, a
goals, on the need for more flexibility
Democrat who helped draw up the
and accountability, the need for re-
agreement. "It has never happened in
structuring and choice."
over 200 years."
Obviously bowing to pressure from
With state and local governments
the Democratic governors, Mr. Bush
providing more than 90 percent of the
Teachers Praise Bush's Effort
NYT
to Set a New Education Agenda
By DEIRDRE CARMODY
that we thought it was a good speech,
said he thought it was a good that the
School superintendents, union lead-
ers and teachers were virtually unani-
said Albert Shanker, president of the
conference did not have more prepared
American Federation of Teachers.
guidelines to follow. "It gave them an
mous yesterday in praising the efforts
of President Bush and the nation's gov-
"For the first time we have a President
opportunity to see if they could come
ernors in setting a national agenda for
who is using the word 'national' when
up with an agenda," he said.
education.
he is talking about education, instead of
Moving on 'Hard Issues'
"What a breathtaking beginning of a
passing the buck to the states."
Dr. Scott Thomson; executive direc-
Frank Newman, president of the
new affirmation of the work for
tor of the National Association of Sec-
Education Commission of the States,
schools," Ernest L. Boyer, president- of
the Carnegie Foundation for the Ad-
ondary School Principals, which repre-
which coordinates state efforts, said
vancement of Teaching, said of the
sents 41,000 principals and assistant
that after six years of educational re-
form, the point was being made at last
education meeting at the University of
principals, issued his own report card
Virginia on Wednesday and Thursday.
of the President's performance.
that it was a "complicated business"
"This is a historic shift in the way
"I would have given President Bush
and that the restructuring of schools
this nation is willing to talk about the
a 'C' up to now as the education Presi-
was difficult to accomplish. "We're
dent," he said. "But with this summit
now moving to the hard issues," he
school agenda," Dr. Boyer said.
At their meeting in Charlottesville,
I'd move him up to a 'B,' and whether
said.
the President and the governors
It is solutions to issues like student
agreed on national goals aimed at
he makes an 'A' or not in my grade-
dropouts and absenteeism and teacher
eliminating illiteracy, improving early
book depends on how he engages him-
burn out, especially in inner-city
childhood programs and holding teach-
self with the specific plan in the next
schools, that have proven tough for
ers accountable for performance.
three or four months and whether he is
education innovators to push through
Specifics will be worked out by the
going to support specific programs
school boards and legistures.
White House and the governors in time
with some money."
Gary Marx, associate executive di-
for a meeting of the National Gover-
rector of the American Association of
nors' Association in Washington in
Motivation and Inspiration
School Administrators, which repre-
February.
Dr. Thomson said that "thè success-
sents 19,000 superintendents and other
A few educators said today that they
ful summit is worth literally hundreds
central school officials, expressed
would reserve judgment until they saw
of millions of dollars because it pro-
some misgivings about Mr. Bush's
the specifics, and some expressed con-
vides inspiration and motivation for
stress on giving parents more choice of
cern that the issue of more money was
teachers and generates a lot of activity
which schools their children attend.
not pressed. But over all there seemed
on the part of the business communi-
to be little criticism.
ty."
"Choice is not a panacea," he said.
While teachers generally supported
"You can offer alternatives for stu-
Not Passing Buck to States
the goals that emerged from the meet-
dents within a school. There can be
Educators generally agreed that the
magnet schools, even open enrollment
President's priorities were on target
ing, some like Ginay Marks, the drug
in some situations, provided It doesn't
and particularly praised his recogni-
education supervisor in District 15 in
upset the integration apple cart."
tion that preschool education and the
South Brooklyn, said there was not
Mr. Marx said the most motivated
early school years were crucial. They
enough stress on giving teachers more
students might move to a better school.
also spoke of the effort at the meeting
say in managing their schools.
leaving their own school in even worse
to balance national purpose and crea-
"If teachers have an investment in
condition.
tivity at the local level.
the choice of textbooks, in the curricu-
It is still unclear how the efforts will
lum, they'll take pride in their pro-
"Every school ought to offer an ex-
be financed. But several education offi-
grams," she said.
cellent program," he said.
cials suggested that it would be churl-
She said she was disappointed that
ish to grumble about lack of new spend-
teachers were not represented at the
ing before more is known about the
meeting. Still, she was glad that "they
specifics.
recongized education as something im-
"I think essentially the message is
portant, especially since our system is
so bad compared to other countries."
Robert Spillane, superintendent of
the Fairfax County schools in Virginia,
A First Step loward
National School Reform
'Accountability' Seen as Key Principle
WP 9-29-84 193
By Frank Swoboda
The purpose of the reform effort.
Washington Post Staff Writer
according to a statement released
at the end of the summit, is to cre-
CHARLOTTESVILLE.
Sept.
ate "a system of accountability
28- The call for national education
which focuses on results rather
performance goals today from Pres-
than compliance with rules and reg-
ident Bush and the nation's gover-
ulations." Although details were
nors is the next step in an education
elusive and will be the subject of
reform movement that began in the
much political debate in the coming
public schools six years ago.
months, the call for some form of
In 1983, the report "A Nation at
national achievement levels ap-
Risk," commissioned by the Depart-
peared generally well received by
ment of Education, warned: "Our
educational groups attending the
society and our educational institu-
tions seem to have lost sight of the
summit, even among harsher critics
of the nation's education system.
basic purposes of schooling."
Since then, a majority of states
Keith Geiger, new president of
the National Education Association,
have experimented with public
school reforms ranging from more
also praised the idea of goals be-
class periods to teacher control of
cause they "focus talk about what
schools, but as recently as last May,
programs need."
the department reported there has
Samuel Husk, executive director
been little progress in efforts to
of the Council of the Great City
reform the nation's overall educa-
Schools, which represents many
tion system.
larger urban school districts, called
The summit call for performance
goal-setting "very important. With-
measures was seen by many poli-
out goals you can't rally the political
ticians and educators as necessary
support for education."
to begin making American school-
Husk said the call for goals comes
children more competitive with
at a time when the reform move-
those of other nations.
ment has been losing steam. "The
"For the first time in our history,
states are going in 50 different di-
we've thought enough of education
rections and the federal administra-
to commit ourselves to national per-
tion is going nowhere," he said.
formance goals," said Arkansas
The actual goals will not be
Gov. Bill Clinton (D) at the conclu-
spelled out until some time early
sion of the two-day education sum-
next year, probably at the February
mit at the University of Virginia.
meeting in Washington of the Na-
The movement toward perform-
tional Governors' Association.
ance goals has been gaining mo-
In their closing statement, sum-
mentum in recent years, particu-
mit participants said the idea of the
larly among business leaders.
goals was to create a "rigorous pro-
Labor Secretary Elizabeth Han-
gram of instruction designed to en-
ford Dole, who moderated one of the
sure that every child can acquire
summit sessions, said business
the knowledge and skills required in
groups had a real stake in the estab-
an economy in which our citizens
lishment of performance goals. "It's
must be able to think for a living.
clearly in the interest of business.
We must establish clear measures
They need the workers," she said.
of performance."
But there was little support at
the summit for mandatory national
performance standards set at the
federal level and dictated to the
states. New Jersey Gov. Thomas
Kean (R) said, "Nobody felt the fed-
eral government should tell the
states what to do."
Although the summit statement
didn't say so, the new goals would
annarently set performance levels
for public school students-partic-
ularly in math and science-and
then leave it to the states to deter-
mine how to achieve the goals.
Bush Wants Billions of Trees
For War Against Polluted Air
By PHILIP SHABECOFF
Special to The New York Times
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 - Aiming at
sponse to the rapid warming of the
both a greening of America and a cool-
globe projected by scientists in the next
ing of the world, President Bush will
century as a result of the accumulation
announce in his State of the Union Mes-
of carbon dioxide and other gases re-
NYT
sage next week a program to increase
leased by human activity into the at-
the nation's tree cover by a billion trees
mosphere.
a year for the next 10 years, Adminis-
These gases trap infrared radiation
tration officials say.
from the Sun that would othewise be re-
The reforestation program, whose
flected back into space, causing the
06/20/19
cost over the next decade would ap-
Earth's temperature to rise, in a pro-
proach $2 billion, is intended to help
cess similar to what happens in a
ameliorate the glóbal warming ex-
greenhouse. The current consensus
pected to occur as a result of pollution.
among scientists appears to be that the
The program is to be run by the For-
average global temperature will rise
est Service, and the President will pro-
by 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit or more by
pose to Congress in his budget next
the middle of the next century.
week that $175 million be devoted to it.
Trees and other green vegetation ab-
The program envisages annual outlays
sorb carbon dioxide and give off oxy-
of a similar amount for a decade.
gen. during photosynthesis. Planting
Conservationists said the program,
more trees, therefore, would absorb
by itself, would do little to combat
some of the carbon dioxide emitted by
pollution-caused global warming, but
human combustion of fossil fuels and
they welcomed it as an important sym-
help temper the magnitude and speed
bolic step.
of the greenhouse effect.
The program would entail not only
Mark C. Trexler, director of the car-
the planting of new trees but also the
bon sequestration forestry project of
improvement of land to enhance tree
growth. It would be undertaken in na-
tional forests, on privately owned rural
property and in urban areas.
From the White
Bush Environmental Initiatives
The program is the latest of a series
House, an idea
of initiatives by Mr. Bush to establish
his credentials as an environmentally
for the greening
minded President, in contrast to Presi-
dent Ronald Reagan, who was widely
of America.
criticized by environmental groups. On
Wednesday, for example, Mr. Bush an-
nounced that he would support the
the World Resources Institute, a non-
elevation of the Environmental Protec-
profit research and policy group here,
tion Agency to Cabinet status, a goal of
said planting an additional billion trees
most environmentalists for years.
a year for 10 years could absorb about
Polls and this year's Congressional
1 to 3 percent of the carbon dioxide
agenda, in which environmental issues
produced by human activity in the
will be an important theme, show that
United States. This country produces
environmental protection is a potent
1.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide a year,
issue supported by a broad spectrum of
nearly 25 percent of the total that en-
the public.
ters the global atmosphere.
Administration aides say Mr. Bush is!
Both the Environmental Protection
genuinely concerned about global
Agency and the Agriculture Depart-
warming, genuinely wants to beautify
ment had recommended more exten-
America and is genuinely fond of trees.
sive programs. The E.P.A. last year
The aides said that in addition to
proposed a reforestation effort that
combating global warming linked to
would cut 10 percent of the nation's an-
pollution, the program was intended to
nual carbon dioxide pollution, and the
enhance the beauty of the countryside
Agriculture Department offered a plan
and cities, help conserve energy, pro-
for a 5 percent reduction. The White
tect soil and water quality, and contrib-
House rejected the more ambitious ef-
ute to other enviromental goals.
forts because they would have entailed
Mr. Bush will call for a major volun-
renting land from farmers on which to
teer effort to join in the tree-planting
plant trees.
campaign. Aides said the President re-
Conservationists emphasized that
gards voluntarism as an important
planting trees alone would not make
component of the program and hopes
any major reduction in the global
to enlist groups like the Boy Scouts and
warming trend. Substantial additional
the Garden Clubs of America. He will
efforts would be required, they insist-
ask for private corporations to help
ed, particularly a sizable reduction in
pay for the effort.
the consumption of oil and coal, which
In part, the program is intended as
emit large amounts of carbon dioxide
this nation's first significant policy re-
Essay
Lance Morrow
Forest of Dreams
W
ith the names of trees you can make a fine pagan bou-
points: the unused energy and gifts of young blacks, the real
quet of words: hornbeam, ginkgo, quickbeam, oak,
needs of the environment, and the motivating focus of some
white willow, tamarind, Lombardy poplar, false cypress, elder,
parts of military life. Pinkerton wanted to remove the Earth
laburnum, larch, baobab, black gum, rowan, hazel, white-
Corps from direct Government (and therefore congressional/
beam, tree of heaven, ash
political) control and from the sort of bureaucratic and ideo-
At one time trees were sacred. Gods inhabited them and
logical overelaboration that came with the Great Society. Un-
took their forms. Trees were druidic. They rose out of the
like Franklin Roosevelt's Civilian Conservation Corps, which
earth, gesticulating, tossing their hair. They were the tender-
was run by the U.S. Army, the Earth Corps is to be not a Gov-
est life-form: cooling, sheltering, calming, enigmatic. Or else
ernment agency but a nonprofit corporation funded by private
they might harbor terrors: beasts and devils in the dark forest.
donations and perhaps eventually some Government grants.
They were, in either case, magic. Still are, of course, although
Its director and chief executive officer is John Wheeler, 45, an
they have also evolved into mere lumber.
intense, effective idealist who graduated from West Point in
The spiritual descendants of those who worshiped trees
1966; served in Viet Nam, took degrees from Harvard Busi-
may sentimentalize them now as some green sermon. Ronald
ness School and Yale Law School and among other things
Reagan did not. Once during the 1980 campaign, in a nuke-
headed the foundation that got the Viet Nam Veterans Me-
the-wimps frame of mind, Reagan claimed that no matter
morial installed on the Mall in Washington.
what environmentalists say, trees are a source of deadly pollu-
With a grant of $300,000 in seed money from the Annie
tion. On the campaign plane later, Reagan's
E. Casey Foundation and office space near
press secretary James Brady sighted forests be-
the White House donated by lawyer Allan
low and shouted, "Killer trees! Killer trees!" It
ILLUSTRATION FOR TIME BY TIM
Fox, Wheeler is developing plans to establish
seems that Reagan was confusing nitrous oxide
an Earth Corps Academy, probably in Vir-
with deadlier oxides of nitrogen. Never mind.
ginia, by next year. The corps will recruit 500
The Republican President in the White
cadets for a two-year tour of service that will
House now may not poeticize trees-he takes
start with three months of forestry, academic
a certain pride in not poeticizing anything-
and environmental training at the academy.
but he does have a fine secular appreciation of
The recruits will be young men-and wom-
what trees do. They hold the earth and scrub
en-ages 16 to 21, with preference given to
the air. Chop them down, and the world be-
attracting the poor. Recruits will have to
comes a moonscape in a greenhouse. Egypt's
pass a qualifying examination and must be
eastern desert is a cautionary text: each tree in
drug free. Their main work will be reforest-
the sparse landscape is under the protection of
ing the nation, starting with some 1.3 million
a Bedouin family. Sometimes the people build
acres of South Carolina that were torn apart
a wall around each tree to guard the leaves
by Hurricane Hugo. Eventually, Wheeler
from goats.
hopes, the corps will attract 4,000 recruits a
George Bush, who said he wanted to be an
year. By encouraging local and state conser-
environmental President, is making trees a
vation corps as well, the Earth Corps may be
kind of fetish of his Administration. In his bud-
able to double Bush's 10 billion trees by the
get submitted last week, Bush allotted $175
year 2000.
million to plant 1 billion trees this year. By the
Cadets will wear uniforms with the Earth
year 2000 there should be 10 billion new trees
Corps insignia (the earth seen from space. and
that eventually should absorb 13 million tons of carbon diox-
the words TRUTH, DUTY, ONE EARTH.) They will receive food,
ide a year, or 5% of the nation's annual emissions of the gas.
shelter and the minimum wage, a portion to be set aside in sav-
The news is that a larger environmental ambition is in har-
ings. When a cadet leaves the corps, he will have technical
ness. John Kennedy launched the Peace Corps. There may be
skills and environmental training. The corps will work to find
some symmetry in the fact that a man in the Bush White
him a job or a path to higher education.
House has hatched the idea for something called the Earth
Pinkerton and Wheeler are concerned that the military
Corps, which will try to enact the spirit of the last line of Ken-
image might deter recruits. It is the military esprit they want,
nedy's Inaugural Address in 1961: "Here on earth God's work
not military coercion or rigidity. Wheeler is also steering
must truly be our own."
10,000 miles clear of the welfare mentality. The corps will not
The Earth Corps is the inspiration of James Pinkerton, the
be remedial, not mandatory, not a punishment, not an entitle-
31-year-old Deputy Assistant to the President for Policy Plan-
ment, not cushy and not trivial. Excellence and dignity are
ning. Pinkerton did not begin by thinking about trees, but
words that recur in Wheeler's conversation. Cadets will do
rather about the wreckage of America's inner cities and the
hard, necessary work-reforestation, fire fighting, fire preven-
prospects that face young black males. Looking for an ap-
tion, wetland protection, cleaning up oil spills and protecting
proach to the problem, he considered the way that the Army,
habitats for endangered species.
at its best, trains people-teaches them discipline, teamwork
The Earth Corps is still a seedling. But it is a daring idea.
and such values as courage, honor, strength, loyalty, pride.
From the first landfall, the logic of the American enterprise
The experience, when all goes well, can transform lives. The
was the ax, clearing the way west through wilderness. That was
welfare system institutionalizes an abject status quo and pro-
a way to make a civilization, as Brazil is now making a civiliza-
duces generations of angry, mired victims.
tion by burning itself down. The idea of the Earth Corps draws
Pinkerton made a triangular connection among these
a line that circles back to the sacred.
74
TIME, FEBRUARY 12, 1990
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
GREGON OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT STATES PUMLITY THE UNITED
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
Michael R. Deland
(202) 395-5080
Chairman
May 18, 1990
MEMORANDUM FROM: Michael TO Dan R. Deland me granty
SUBJECT: Attached memorandum, "Bush Administration Environmental
Initiatives and Accomplishments"
We have prepared the enclosed memorandum for your use, entitled
"The Bush Administration and the Environment: Initiatives and
Accomplishments." Please circulate it to all relevant personnel.
This memorandum summarizes all Administration actions which
promise to have a beneficial result for environmental quality and
conservation of natural resources. We hope it is helpful to you
and your staff as you prepare speeches and respond to inquiries.
It was not prepared for release to the news media, but it has
been rigorously reviewed to ensure its factual integrity.
In the past year, several summaries or "scorecards" have been
prepared by various EOP offices, Federal departments and
agencies, and outside groups. These have been consulted and this
summary incorporates many of those items.
We would welcome your comments, suggestions or additions. The
memorandum will be kept up to date and distributed at least
quarterly by my assistant, Dale Curtis, who can be reached on
395-5750.
Recycled Paper
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT DATE OFFICE UNITED QUALITY COUNCIL STATES
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
Michael R. Deland
(202) 395-5080
Chairman
The Bush Administration and the Environment:
Summary of Initiatives and Accomplishments
May 1990
President George Bush, continuing a life-long record of
concern for the environment, has demonstrated a commitment to
environmental protection, conservation, and wise management of
our natural resources. What follows is a summary of the
Administration's initiatives and accomplishments.
1.
General leadership
2.
Air pollution
3.
Environmentally-sensitive budget policy
4.
Pollution prevention and recycling
5.
Asbestos ban
6.
Water pollution, water projects and wetlands
7.
Energy
8.
Global climate change
9.
International environmental initiatives
10. Alaskan oil spill
11. Future oil spill prevention
12.
Food safety
13. Hazardous wastes and Superfund
14. Clean oceans and coastlines
15. Radon
16. Defense & the Environment Initiative
17. Endangered species
18. Earth Day
19. Environmental education
20. Enforcement
21. Deterring conflicts of interest
Recycled Paper
2
1)
General leadership:
President Bush appointed William K. Reilly to be
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
the first professional conservationist to hold the post.
The President named Michael R. Deland, former
Administrator of EPA's Boston regional office, to be
chairman of the President's Council on Environmental Quality
(CEQ). The President is committed to revitalizing CEQ's
advisory role and requested funding to increase the staff of
CEQ from 10 to 34 positions over two years.
The President supports elevating EPA from sub-Cabinet
to full Cabinet status, and approved the elevation of EPA's
International Activities Office to the assistant
administrator level.
President Bush has directed all Cabinet officers to
incorporate consideration of environmental impacts into all
agency decisions. More departments are embarked on
substantive environmental policy intitiatives than ever
before (see below). The President has devoted dozens of
speeches, news conferences, and events to environmental
themes, and the White House Domestic Policy staff has
devoted thousands of hours to ambitious environmental
quality initiatives.
2)
Air pollution:
After a decade of policy gridlock, President Bush's
Administration crafted amendments to the U.S. Clean Air Act
to reduce the emissions that cause acid rain, urban smog and
toxic air pollution. Thanks in large measure to the
President's personal commitment, a bill recently passed the
Senate and it appears likely this complex reform package
will be enacted in 1990.
Among several other administrative actions on clean
air, EPA issued rules that lower gasoline volatility (which
contributes to smog) in summer months; and rules to reduce
industrial emissions of the hazardous pollutant benzene by
90 percent. EPA proposed standards to require source
separation by municipal waste handlers to effectively reduce
overall air emissions from municipal waste incinerators by
90 percent.
The Administration has taken important strides forward
on global air pollution issues (see #8 and #9).
3
Related actions on automobile fuel efficiency, energy
efficiency and renewables, and clean coal technology are
listed below.
3)
Environmentally-sensitive budget policy:
The Administration's budget request for 1991 continued
a trend begun with the President's first budget in 1990:
substantial funding increases for most environmental
programs, and greater sensitivity to the impact of federal
actions on the environment. Notable areas include:
-- Increases for EPA's operating budget, especially for
enforcement (more than 500 new staff) and cleanup at
Superfund and federal sites (see #10)
-- "America the Beautiful": a three-pronged effort to
acquire lands with high environmental or recreation
value (up to $1 billion over four years) ; restore
threatened natural resource and recreation areas
("Legacy '99") ; and a new program to expand and
accelerate national reforestation to a rate of one
billion trees annually
-- concerning global climate change, sharply higher
funding for the "Mission to Planet Earth" space-based
Earth observation system, solar and renewable energy,
energy conservation (see #7), and basic research
-- research, protection and enhancement of the nation's
wetlands; termination or mitigation of certain water
projects (see #5)
-- proposed demonstration projects to terminate
wasteful "below-cost" timber sales at nine national
forests and provide improved recreational facilities in
those areas
-- an increase of almost $800 million, or 21 percent
above 1990 levels, for Federal facility cleanups
-- full funding for the Clean Coal Technology program
4)
Pollution prevention and recycling:
The Administration seeks reforms to move beyond costly
end-of-the-process cleanups, toward an emphasis on pollution
prevention.
4
Within EPA, two percent of every program's budget has
been set aside to fund specific pollution prevention
demonstration projects.
EPA has launched a nationwide "early warning system" to
prevent municipal sewage treatment plants from violating
Clean Water Act standards.
Legislation and administrative actions are under
development to spur federal and private pollution prevention
efforts. The legislation would set numerical goals and
timetables, enhance data collection, improve municipal solid
waste minimization and management, and create helpful new
market incentives.
5)
Asbestos ban:
EPA announced a ban on almost all uses of asbestos in
the United States by 1997. Asbestos is a carcinogen linked
to lung and chest cancer.
6)
Water pollution, water projects, and wetlands:
EPA Administrator Reilly blocked issuance of a permit
that would allow construction to begin on the Two Forks Dam
in Colorado. President Bush seeks termination of uneconomic
and destructive projects such as the Garrison Diversion Unit
in North Dakota. EPA rejected the proposed Big River
reservoir project in Rhode Island, based on unacceptable
adverse effects on wetlands, wildlife and recreation.
EPA issued proposals to regulate 17 pesticides and 21
other contaminants in drinking water, almost doubling the
number of pollutants subject to federally enforceable
standards. The proposals also call for monitoring 110
currently unregulated contaminants.
The Bureau of Reclamation has been given new direction
and proposed doubled funding to pursue mitigation of adverse
impacts of certain large water projects already constructed.
Concerned by the rapid loss of American wetland
habitats, the President directed an interagency task force
to report by late 1990 on ways to implement a policy of "no
net loss" of wetlands. EPA and Army Corps of Engineers
signed an agreement to clarify wetlands protection policy;
the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service signed an agreement to cooperate in expanding the
wetlands breeding habitat for numerous species.
5
The President's FY91 budget seeks a 24 percent boost
(to $460 million) for research, protection and enhancement
of wetlands, including acceleration of the national wetlands
inventory. This follows a 32 percent increase in 1990.
For related actions on ocean pollution, see #14.
7)
Energy:
The Department of Energy is preparing a National Energy
Plan which emphasizes, among other things: energy
conservation and efficiency; alternative and renewable
energy sources; and nuclear power safety.
DOE announced eleven initiatives in energy efficiency
and renewables, including: more efficient lighting for
federal buildings; regulatory and legislative changes to
stimulate efficiency improvements in the utility, commercial
and construction sectors; and using the government-industry
technology transfer process to speed promising energy
technologies into widespread use.
In a reversal of previous policy, DOE proposed rules to
centralize and significantly strengthen compliance with the
environmental assessment process under the National
Environmental Policy Act.
The Department of Transportation raised the corporate
average fuel economy (CAFE) standard for autos to 27.5 mpg.
The President postponed lease sales and oil and gas
development in sensitive areas off the shores of California
and Florida, and will make a final decision on these leases
in 1990.
The President has requested all of the necessary funds
to complete the $2.5 billion Clean Coal Technology program.
To address waste cleanup at DOE facilities, funding was
increased by $500 million in FY90; an increase of $600
million is sought for FY91. DOE released a five-year, site-
by-site cleanup plan, and a five-year research and
development plan to reduce outyear costs.
8)
Global climate change:
The Bush Administration has demonstrated a willingness
to confront the complex and important question of global
climate change.
6
The Secretary of State's first major address in January
1989 expressed the President's intention to take
comprehensive action in this area. In February 1990, the
President became the first and only head of state to address
the U.N.-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), the leading global forum for climate change policy.
The U.S. agreed in November 1989 to stabilize U.S.
carbon dioxide emissions and study further reductions; the
President proposed two major international conferences on
the issue in 1990. The first conference, held April 17-18,
addressed scientific and economic questions. The second
conference would open negotiations toward a multilateral
framework treaty once the IPCC has completed initial
assessments of the scientific evidence, potential impacts,
and policy options.
The President supports efforts to build upon the
Montreal Protocol and phase-out all uses of chloro-
fluorocarbons (CFC's) and halons by the turn of the century.
The Administration supports financial and technical
assistance to developing countries to make the transition to
non-CFC technologies.
The FY91 budget request seeks $1 billion for research
into global climate change, up 57 percent from 1990. That
research includes work on the "Mission to Planet Earth"
orbiting observation system, renewable and solar energy
sources, and energy efficiency/conservation.
The Administration's clean air bill, National Energy
Strategy and increased CAFE standard also will have the
effect of stabilizing/reducing "greenhouse gas" emissions.
9)
Other international environmental initiatives:
The President banned imports of African elephant ivory
(see #18).
During his 1989 trips abroad, the President pledged
financial and technical aid to Poland and Hungary to control
air and water pollution, draft environmental statutes, and
establish an East European environmental center.
President Bush led efforts to make the environment a
major focus of the "G-7" Summit in Paris. In Tokyo, the
President held meetings with leaders of Japan and Brazil to
discuss the problem of rapid rainforest depletion.
7
The Administration helped develop and then signed the
Basel Convention, which governs transboundary shipments of
hazardous wastes in an environmentally sound manner.
President Bush supported and signed a bill to prohibit
U.S. support for foreign development loans unless
environmental impacts are studied first.
The Administration persuaded Japan, Taiwan and Korea to
enter into agreements to monitor driftnet fishing. This
will allow the U.S. to monitor the incidental take of birds,
seals, whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.
In 1990, for the first time, Peace Corps volunteers
will be trained by EPA in water pollution prevention, waste
disposal, reforestation and pesticide management.
The President's plan to elevate EPA to full Cabinet
status will give the U.S. Environment Secretary commensurate
status with his counterparts from other nations. The plan
would also enhance "USDE" authority to offer technical
assistance to foreign environmental programs. In early
1989, EPA's International Activities Office was elevated to
the assistant administrator level.
10) Alaskan oil spill:
The President sent Vice President Quayle and a Cabinet-
level team to assess the situation; the Department of
Transportation is overseeing cleanup by Exxon, while EPA is
coordinating an interagency task force on long-range
restoration of Prince William Sound.
After negotiations broke down, the Justice Department
issued a five-count criminal indictment against Exxon with
potential penalties of up to $600 million.
11) Future oil spill prevention:
The President proposed, and Paris Summit leaders
accepted, a call for increased international efforts on oil
spill prevention and cleanup. In May 1989, President Bush
sent Congress comprehensive oil pollution liability and
compensation legislation. The Interior Department began a
$6 million, 3-year joint project with the American Petroleum
Institute to research and develop new cleanup technology.
8
12) Food safety:
The Administration proposed legislation to improve food
safety by streamlining regulations to allow faster removal
of dangerous substances from the market. EPA prohibited all
sales, distribution and use of "Alar" products labeled for
use on food products, and stepped up its efforts against
other suspect pesticides. EPA blocked the sale of roughly
100 million apples that had been illegally treated with the
fungicide "Botran."
13) Hazardous wastes and Superfund:
After an intensive management review, the
Administration reoriented the "Superfund" hazardous waste
dump cleanup to an "enforcement first" program to get more
responsible parties to undertake cleanups. EPA added 500
new enforcement staff to this program.
The Administration fought Congressional attempts to cut
the Superfund budget and in 1989, exceeded Congressionally-
mandated targets for cleanup starts and site studies.
The Administration commenced a similar review of the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), expected to
yield proposals for upcoming legislative reauthorization.
14) Clean oceans and coastlines:
EPA implemented the first step of the President's
commitment to prevent medical wastes from washing up on
beaches: a pilot medical waste tracking system to serve as
a model for further action. The program involves the states
of Connecticut, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Rhode
Island, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
EPA negotiated agreements with local jurisdictions to
stop ocean dumping of sewage sludge by late 1991, an
initiative that also resulted in penalty actions against 61
cities in 1989. The President proposed legislation to
require criminal felony penalties for illegal ocean dumping.
15) Radon:
EPA released data showing high levels of cancer-causing
radon to be widespread in housing throughout the country,
and undertook public education efforts to urge Americans to
test and safeguard their homes, schools and businesses.
9
16) Defense & the Environment Initiative
The Department of Defense established a five-point
initiative intended to forge long-term partnerships in
defense-environmental matters well beyond mere compliance.
An autumn 1990 conference will attempt to: finalize a near-
term DOD environmental action plan; activate an enhanced DOD
environmental decision-making structure; and discuss how
global strategic policy might encompass environmental
challenges.
17) Endangered species:
The President has rejected the suggestion of amendments
to the federal Endangered Species Act.
The President banned imports of African elephant ivory
products in an effort to save that endangered species; and
he requested funding from Congress to assist African
countries with management and protection of this species.
The Department of Interior issued an emergency listing
of the Desert Tortoise as an endangered species in Southern
California, Utah and Nevada. DOI acquired additional
habitat for endangered panthers in Florida.
The Two Forks Dam and Big River decisions (see #6)
protected thousands of acres of wildlife habitat. And the
President reversed a proposal to cap the outlay of funds
under the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund used for fisheries
protection and development.
18) Earth Day
The Council on Environmental Quality coordinated
actions by all federal agencies to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of Earth Day, including an exhibition on the
Mall in Washington, and various activities by more than a
dozen Federal agencies.
19) Environmental education
The President proposed a program of cash awards of up
to $5,000 to elementary and secondary school teachers in the
50 states, the District of Columbia and the territories who
develop innovative, effective environmental education
curricula.
10
20) Enforcement
EPA's aggressive enforcement program levied civil and
administrative penalties totaling just under $35 million in
fiscal year 1989, including $13.6 million from over 4,000
administrative actions, two record highs.
EPA referred 364 civil judicial cases of alleged
environmental law violation to the Department of Justice for
prosecution in FY89, just short of the 1988 record of 372.
EPA referred 60 criminal cases to Justice in FY89.
Notable enforcement actions include:
--Proposed fines of $1.65 million on 42 companies that
failed to report toxic chemical discharges as required by
law.
--Civil lawsuits against 34 companies and individuals to
halt violations of rules protecting the public from unlawful
asbestos demolition and renovation practices.
Civil lawsuits against 61 cities (including Detroit, El
Paso, Phoenix and San Antonio) for violations of the Clean
Water Act.
--A civil penalty of $15 million against the Texas Eastern
company for toxic substance violations at up to 89 sites
along a 1,000 mile-long natural gas pipeline. The fine was
the largest ever for violation of any environmental statute.
--A coordinated campaign to protect the Chesapeake Bay
included charges against 26 facilities in the watershed for
violations of the Clean Water Act.
After negotiations broke down, the Justice Department
issued a five-count criminal indictment against Exxon with
potential penalties of up to $600 million.
21) Deterring conflicts of interest:
EPA has set a strict new policy on the agency's use of
contractors, barring them from involvement 17 specific
activities and warning of improper conflicts of interest in
15 additional areas.
THE
PRESIDENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
OFFICE
COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
COUNCIL
UNITED
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20500
DECUTIVE
SEAL
Michael R. Deland
(202) 395-5080
Chairman
The Bush Administration and the Environment:
Summary of Initiatives and Accomplishments
May 1990
President George Bush, continuing a life-long record of
concern for the environment, has demonstrated a commitment to
environmental protection, conservation, and wise management of
our natural resources. What follows is a summary of the
Administration's initiatives and accomplishments.
1.
General leadership
2.
Air pollution
3.
Environmentally-sensitive budget policy
4.
Pollution prevention and recycling
5.
Asbestos ban
6.
Water pollution, water projects and wetlands
7.
Energy
8.
Global climate change
9.
International environmental initiatives
10.
Alaskan oil spill
11.
Future oil spill prevention
12.
Food safety
13. Hazardous wastes and Superfund
14.
Clean oceans and coastlines
15. Radon
16.
Defense & the Environment Initiative
17.
Endangered species
18.
Earth Day
19. Environmental education
20.
Enforcement
21. Deterring conflicts of interest
Recycled Paper
2
1)
General leadership:
President Bush appointed William K. Reilly to be
Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
the first professional conservationist to hold the post.
The President named Michael R. Deland, former
Administrator of EPA's Boston regional office, to be
chairman of the President's Council on Environmental Quality
(CEQ) The President is committed to revitalizing CEQ's
advisory role and requested funding to increase the staff of
CEQ from 10 to 34 positions over two years.
The President supports elevating EPA from sub-Cabinet
to full Cabinet status, and approved the elevation of EPA's
International Activities Office to the assistant
administrator level.
President Bush has directed all Cabinet officers to
incorporate consideration of environmental impacts into all
agency decisions. More departments are embarked on
substantive environmental policy intitiatives than ever
before (see below). The President has devoted dozens of
speeches, news conferences, and events to environmental
themes, and the White House Domestic Policy staff has
devoted thousands of hours to ambitious environmental
quality initiatives.
2)
Air pollution:
After a decade of policy gridlock, President Bush's
Administration crafted amendments to the U.S. Clean Air Act
to reduce the emissions that cause acid rain, urban smog and
toxic air pollution. Thanks in large measure to the
President's personal commitment, a bill recently passed the
Senate and it appears likely this complex reform package
will be enacted in 1990.
Among several other administrative actions on clean
air, EPA issued rules that lower gasoline volatility (which
contributes to smog) in summer months; and rules to reduce
industrial emissions of the hazardous pollutant benzene by
90 percent. EPA proposed standards to require source
separation by municipal waste handlers to effectively reduce
overall air emissions from municipal waste incinerators by
90 percent.
The Administration has taken important strides forward
on global air pollution issues (see #8 and #9).
3
Related actions on automobile fuel efficiency, energy
efficiency and renewables, and clean coal technology are
listed below.
3)
Environmentally-sensitive budget policy:
The Administration's budget request for 1991 continued
a trend begun with the President's first budget in 1990:
substantial funding increases for most environmental
programs, and greater sensitivity to the impact of federal
actions on the environment. Notable areas include:
-- Increases for EPA's operating budget, especially for
enforcement (more than 500 new staff) and cleanup at
Superfund and federal sites (see #10)
-- "America the Beautiful": a three-pronged effort to
acquire lands with high environmental or recreation
value (up to $1 billion over four years) ; restore
threatened natural resource and recreation areas
("Legacy '99") ; and a new program to expand and
accelerate national reforestation to a rate of one
billion trees annually
-- concerning global climate change, sharply higher
funding for the "Mission to Planet Earth" space-based
Earth observation system, solar and renewable energy,
energy conservation (see #7), and basic research
-- research, protection and enhancement of the nation's
wetlands; termination or mitigation of certain water
projects (see #5)
-- proposed demonstration projects to terminate
wasteful "below-cost" timber sales at nine national
forests and provide improved recreational facilities in
those areas
-- an increase of almost $800 million, or 21 percent
above 1990 levels, for Federal facility cleanups
-- full funding for the Clean Coal Technology program
4)
Pollution prevention and recycling:
The Administration seeks reforms to move beyond costly
prevention. end-of-the-process cleanups, toward an emphasis on pollution
4
Within EPA, two percent of every program's budget has
been set aside to fund specific pollution prevention
demonstration projects.
EPA has launched a nationwide "early warning system" to
prevent municipal sewage treatment plants from violating
Clean Water Act standards.
Legislation and administrative actions are under
development to spur federal and private pollution prevention
efforts. The legislation would set numerical goals and
timetables, enhance data collection, improve municipal solid
waste minimization and management, and create helpful new
market incentives.
5)
Asbestos ban:
EPA announced a ban on almost all uses of asbestos in
the United States by 1997. Asbestos is a carcinogen linked
to lung and chest cancer.
6)
Water pollution, water projects, and wetlands:
EPA Administrator Reilly blocked issuance of a permit
that would allow construction to begin on the Two Forks Dam
in Colorado. President Bush seeks termination of uneconomic
and destructive projects such as the Garrison Diversion Unit
in North Dakota. EPA rejected the proposed Big River
reservoir project in Rhode Island, based on unacceptable
adverse effects on wetlands, wildlife and recreation.
EPA issued proposals to regulate 17 pesticides and 21
other contaminants in drinking water, almost doubling the
number of pollutants subject to federally enforceable
standards. The proposals also call for monitoring 110
currently unregulated contaminants.
The Bureau of Reclamation has been given new direction
and proposed doubled funding to pursue mitigation of adverse
impacts of certain large water projects already constructed.
Concerned by the rapid loss of American wetland
habitats, the President directed an interagency task force
to report by late 1990 on ways to implement a policy of "no
net loss" of wetlands. EPA and Army Corps of Engineers
signed an agreement to clarify wetlands protection policy;
the Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service signed an agreement to cooperate in expanding the
wetlands breeding habitat for numerous species.
5
The President's FY91 budget seeks a 24 percent boost
(to $460 million) for research, protection and enhancement
of wetlands, including acceleration of the national wetlands
inventory. This follows a 32 percent increase in 1990.
For related actions on ocean pollution, see #14.
7)
Energy:
The Department of Energy is preparing a National Energy
Plan which emphasizes, among other things: energy
conservation and efficiency; alternative and renewable
energy sources; and nuclear power safety.
DOE announced eleven initiatives in energy efficiency
and renewables, including: more efficient lighting for
federal buildings; regulatory and legislative changes to
stimulate efficiency improvements in the utility, commercial
and construction sectors; and using the government-industry
technology transfer process to speed promising energy
technologies into widespread use.
In a reversal of previous policy, DOE proposed rules to
centralize and significantly strengthen compliance with the
environmental assessment process under the National
Environmental Policy Act.
The Department of Transportation raised the corporate
average fuel economy (CAFE) standard for autos to 27.5 mpg.
The President postponed lease sales and oil and gas
development in sensitive areas off the shores of California
and Florida, and will make a final decision on these leases
in 1990.
The President has requested all of the necessary funds
to complete the $2.5 billion Clean Coal Technology program.
To address waste cleanup at DOE facilities, funding was
increased by $500 million in FY90; an increase of $600
million is sought for FY91. DOE released a five-year, site-
by-site cleanup plan, and a five-year research and
development plan to reduce outyear costs.
8)
Global climate change:
The Bush Administration has demonstrated a willingness
to confront the complex and important question of global
climate change.
6
The Secretary of State's first major address in January
1989 expressed the President's intention to take
comprehensive action in this area. In February 1990, the
President became the first and only head of state to address
the U.N. -sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), the leading global forum for climate change policy.
The U.S. agreed in November 1989 to stabilize U.S.
carbon dioxide emissions and study further reductions; the
President proposed two major international conferences on
the issue in 1990. The first conference, held April 17-18,
addressed scientific and economic questions. The second
conference would open negotiations toward a multilateral
framework treaty once the IPCC has completed initial
assessments of the scientific evidence, potential impacts,
and policy options.
The President supports efforts to build upon the
Montreal Protocol and phase-out all uses of chloro-
fluorocarbons (CFC's) and halons by the turn of the century.
The Administration supports financial and technical
assistance to developing countries to make the transition to
non-CFC technologies.
The FY91 budget request seeks $1 billion for research
into global climate change, up 57 percent from 1990. That
research includes work on the "Mission to Planet Earth"
orbiting observation system, renewable and solar energy
sources, and energy efficiency/conservation.
The Administration's clean air bill, National Energy
Strategy and increased CAFE standard also will have the
effect of stabilizing/reducing "greenhouse gas" emissions.
9)
Other international environmental initiatives:
The President banned imports of African elephant ivory
(see #18).
During his 1989 trips abroad, the President pledged
financial and technical aid to Poland and Hungary to control
air and water pollution, draft environmental statutes, and
establish an East European environmental center.
President Bush led efforts to make the environment a
major focus of the "G-7" Summit in Paris. In Tokyo, the
President held meetings with leaders of Japan and Brazil to
discuss the problem of rapid rainforest depletion.
7
The Administration helped develop and then signed the
Basel Convention, which governs transboundary shipments of
hazardous wastes in an environmentally sound manner.
President Bush supported and signed a bill to prohibit
U.S. support for foreign development loans unless
environmental impacts are studied first.
The Administration persuaded Japan, Taiwan and Korea to
enter into agreements to monitor driftnet fishing. This
will allow the U.S. to monitor the incidental take of birds,
seals, whales, dolphins and other marine mammals.
In 1990, for the first time, Peace Corps volunteers
will be trained by EPA in water pollution prevention, waste
disposal, reforestation and pesticide management.
The President's plan to elevate EPA to full Cabinet
status will give the U.S. Environment Secretary commensurate
status with his counterparts from other nations. The plan
would also enhance "USDE" authority to offer technical
assistance to foreign environmental programs. In early
1989, EPA's International Activities Office was elevated to
the assistant administrator level.
10) Alaskan oil spill:
The President sent Vice President Quayle and a Cabinet-
level team to assess the situation; the Department of
Transportation is overseeing cleanup by Exxon, while EPA is
coordinating an interagency task force on long-range
restoration of Prince William Sound.
After negotiations broke down, the Justice Department
issued a five-count criminal indictment against Exxon with
potential penalties of up to $600 million.
11) Future oil spill prevention:
The President proposed, and Paris Summit leaders
accepted, a call for increased international efforts on oil
spill prevention and cleanup. In May 1989, President Bush
sent Congress comprehensive oil pollution liability and
compensation legislation. The Interior Department began a
$6 million, 3-year joint project with the American Petroleum
Institute to research and develop new cleanup technology.
8
12) Food safety:
The Administration proposed legislation to improve food
safety by streamlining regulations to allow faster removal
of dangerous substances from the market. EPA prohibited all
sales, distribution and use of "Alar" products labeled for
use on food products, and stepped up its efforts against
other suspect pesticides. EPA blocked the sale of roughly
100 million apples that had been illegally treated with the
fungicide "Botran."
13) Hazardous wastes and Superfund:
After an intensive management review, the
Administration reoriented the "Superfund" hazardous waste
dump cleanup to an "enforcement first" program to get more
responsible parties to undertake cleanups. EPA added 500
new enforcement staff to this program.
The Administration fought Congressional attempts to cut
the Superfund budget and in 1989, exceeded Congressionally-
mandated targets for cleanup starts and site studies.
The Administration commenced a similar review of the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), expected to
yield proposals for upcoming legislative reauthorization.
14) Clean oceans and coastlines:
EPA implemented the first step of the President's
commitment to prevent medical wastes from washing up on
beaches: a pilot medical waste tracking system to serve as
a model for further action. The program involves the states
of Connecticut, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Rhode
Island, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
EPA negotiated agreements with local jurisdictions to
stop ocean dumping of sewage sludge by late 1991, an
initiative that also resulted in penalty actions against 61
cities in 1989. The President proposed legislation to
require criminal felony penalties for illegal ocean dumping.
15) Radon:
EPA released data showing high levels of cancer-causing
radon to be widespread in housing throughout the country,
and undertook public education efforts to urge Americans to
test and safeguard their homes, schools and businesses.
9
16) Defense & the Environment Initiative
The Department of Defense established a five-point
initiative intended to forge long-term partnerships in
defense-environmental matters well beyond mere compliance.
An autumn 1990 conference will attempt to: finalize a near-
term DOD environmental action plan; activate an enhanced DOD
environmental decision-making structure; and discuss how
global strategic policy might encompass environmental
challenges.
17) Endangered species:
The President has rejected the suggestion of amendments
to the federal Endangered Species Act.
The President banned imports of African elephant ivory
products in an effort to save that endangered species; and
he requested funding from Congress to assist African
countries with management and protection of this species.
The Department of Interior issued an emergency listing
of the Desert Tortoise as an endangered species in Southern
California, Utah and Nevada. DOI acquired additional
habitat for endangered panthers in Florida.
The Two Forks Dam and Big River decisions (see #6)
protected thousands of acres of wildlife habitat. And the
President reversed a proposal to cap the outlay of funds
under the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund used for fisheries
protection and development.
18) Earth Day
The Council on Environmental Quality coordinated
actions by all federal agencies to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of Earth Day, including an exhibition on the
Mall in Washington, and various activities by more than a
dozen Federal agencies.
19) Environmental education
The President proposed a program of cash awards of up
to $5,000 to elementary and secondary school teachers in the
50 states, the District of Columbia and the territories who
develop innovative, effective environmental education
curricula.
10
20) Enforcement
EPA's aggressive enforcement program levied civil and
administrative penalties totaling just under $35 million in
fiscal year 1989, including $13.6 million from over 4,000
administrative actions, two record highs.
EPA referred 364 civil judicial cases of alleged
environmental law violation to the Department of Justice for
prosecution in FY89, just short of the 1988 record of 372.
EPA referred 60 criminal cases to Justice in FY89.
Notable enforcement actions include:
--Proposed fines of $1.65 million on 42 companies that
law. failed to report toxic chemical discharges as required by
--Civil lawsuits against 34 companies and individuals to
halt violations of rules protecting the public from unlawful
asbestos demolition and renovation practices.
--Civil lawsuits against 61 cities (including Detroit, El
Paso, Phoenix and San Antonio) for violations of the Clean
Water Act.
--A civil penalty of $15 million against the Texas Eastern
company for toxic substance violations at up to 89 sites
along a 1,000 mile-long natural gas pipeline. The fine was
the largest ever for violation of any environmental statute.
--A coordinated campaign to protect the Chesapeake Bay
included charges against 26 facilities in the watershed for
violations of the Clean Water Act.
After negotiations broke down, the Justice Department
issued a five-count criminal indictment against Exxon with
potential penalties of up to $600 million.
21) Deterring conflicts of interest:
EPA has set a strict new policy on the agency's use of
contractors, barring them from involvement 17 specific
activities and warning of improper conflicts of interest in
15 additional areas.
New York school report assails Western culture
By Carol Innerst
1/2/89
"hidden assumptions of white su-
own recommendations to the board
children of European cultures, the
tributed to this society, other cul-
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
premacy and white nationalism," the
at its Jan. 16-17 meeting, based on
report notes, so they "will have less
tures do not compare to European
report of the Task Force on Minor-
the report and public reaction.
arrogant perspective of being part
culture "insofar as what made this
A report in the hands of the New
ities, appointed by New York Com-
hearings have been held on the
of the group that has 'done it all'
country what it is," Mr. Bernardo
York State Board of Regents urges a
missioner of Education Thomas
report and none are scheduled, ac-
Joan Battey, a resident of Apala-
said. "There is something very
radical overhaul of the public school
Sobol, reports
cording to the public information of-
chin, N.Y., is one of a small group of
wrong about the direction of the re-
curriculum in ways that greatly di-
This has happened, the minority
fice of the New York State Depart-
concerned citizens attempting to
minish the contributions of Western
port. It starts with a chip on its shoul-
advocates say, despite significant at-
ment of Education.
publicize the report.
der. It's distorted."
culture to the nation and the world.
tempts in recent years to infuse
Dismantling the premise that
"People only find out about it by
The New York report comes at a
The redesigned "multicultural"
multiculturalism into the books and
America developed as a preserve of
accident. Every body we talk to about
curriculum, for. kindergarten
time when many school jurisdic-
materials used by schoolchildren.
European culture and values should
it has been shocked," she said.
through the 12th grade, at the same
tions cite a need to build respect for
Thereport, which blamed the pre-
lead to "higher self-esteem and self-
"We call ourselves Concerned
time would elevate the roles of eth-
the multicultural heritage of the in-
sent "harmful" curriculum bias to-
respect" among children from Na-
Citizens for Rational Altérnatives,"
creasingly diverse children in their
nic minorities, teaching children
ward European cultures for the
tive American, Puerto Rican/Latino,
Aldo S: Bernardo, professor emeri-
that all cultures were equally impor-
classrooms. These educators say
"miseducation" of minority chil-
Asian American and African-Ameri
tus at State University of New York
that a multicultural curriculum is
tant to the development of U.S. soci-
dren, was conveyed to the Board of
can cultures, concludes the report,
at Binghampton, said of the group
the solution to the difficulties
ety.
Regents in July.
"A Curriculum of Inclusion."
protesting the report's findings.
The current curriculum retains
Mr. Sobol is expected to make his
This will lower the self-esteem of
While people of color have con-
see CULTURE, page A5
CULTURE
their history and ancestry."
textbooks and methodology et reach-
While decrying the notion of tear-
ing," he said.
ing down the dominant culture to
"The first stage is under way now
From page AI
build up minority cultures, Mr. Bins
- development and distribution of
schools are having as they try to edu-
said: "When you talk of bringing in
curriculum materials for individual
cate children of color, many of whom
more content from previously ex-
schools to use in bringing about bet-
drop out before graduation.
cluded
groups
you always must
ter awareness of multicultural is-
The multicultural-curriculum
decide what's going to be left out
sues," says Mr. Porter. "The report
movement got a boost when Califor-
from the existing content."
recognized that there needs to be an
nia called three years ago for a
Among urban districts, Roches-
awareness of the diversity of chil-
multicultural approach in its revised
ter, N.Y., and Portland, Ore., have
dren and issues and concepts within
framework for English/language
taken the lead in multicultural edu-
our society and that awareness must
arts and history.
be present to provide true equity in
"In history, we said that by leaving
the provision of academic opportu-
out important facts about major civ-
nity.
ilizations we were robbing young
This will lower the
Within our own county, there
people of an understanding of what
really went on in the world," says
self-esteem of children
are hundreds of cultural identities,"
he says. "Some schools have 35 to 45
California Department of Education
of European cultures.
different languages spoken at home
spokeswoman Susan Lange. "In lit-
by the children. There are different
erature, there was the sense that
the report notes, so
cultural appreciations having to do
here was one more way to engage
they "will have a less
with class, ethnicity and gender."
young people who are a difficult
The New York report argued that
group for us now. Anything we can
do to capture their interest and keep
arrogant perspective
the current curriculum treats non-
European achievements as "appen-
them: in school and have others
of being part of the
dages' rather than integral to the
understand them as well is to every
main body of information.
one's benefit."
group that has 'done
European culture is likened to
Two months ago, the Council of
Great City Schools, which consists
it
all.'
the master of a house ruling over a
dinner table; himself firmly estab-
of 45 of the nation's largest urban
lished at the head of the table and all
school districts, representing 5 mil-
other cultures being guests some
lion students, 75 percent of them mi-
distance down the table from the
norities, urged its superintendents
cation, aid-Jacquelin Dennis,
master, who has invited the others
to press for greater inclusion of
spokeswoman for the council.
through his beneficence," the report
other cultures in history textbooks.
District Public Schools recently
said.
At a council seminar prior to that
announced an "African-American
The report asserted that minor-
Donald H. Smith, dean of the School
studies program" that officials hope
ities "have all been the victims of an
of Education at City University of
will reduce the high dropout rate.
intellectual and educational oppres-
New York,"called for revision of all
The Board of Education in Prince
sion that has characterized the cul-
curriculum material in order to
George's County a year ago adopted
ture and institutions of the United
"save" the black child.
set of recommendations from its
States and the European American
According to Milton Bins, deputy
own Multicultural Education Task
world for centuries."
director of the Council of Great City
Force to weave multiculturalism into
Schools can't correct the situation
Schools, "Some problems of minor-
the curriculum, said spokesman
without totally revamping textbooks
ities stem from establishing who
Brian Porter. "It called for a series
and curriculum, the Task Force con-
they are. They ve been cut off from
of changes in the curriculum and
cluded.
WALL STREET JOURNAL WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4. 1990
THE SENATE'S CLEAN-AIR BILL
Sky
War:
Pollution
VS.
Costs
The Path of Clean-Air Legislation
Continued From First Page
technologies reduce talipipe emissions
nationwide cap on total emis-
the facilities. About 200 steelworkers from
cars to be bullt after the year 2003.
slons Uncoretically would preserve clean-
SMOG
LTV Corp. and USX Corp. protested at the
Despite the threat of automatic shut-
alr
gains
for
decades.
down for plants that can't meet stricter
USEMATE
Capitol yesterday, contending that their
There is widespread agreement among
jobs
are
on
the
line.
emission standards, environmentalists are
lawmakers to junk regulatory system
101cilies
missed
the
Goal
is
that
all
but
four
cities
(Los
that
Goal
that
all
but
nine
citles
The Senate bill would exempt the steel
upset that cancer risks won't be eliminated
that standards on air emissions of
deadline
for
meeting
health
Angeles,
New
York,
Houston
and
comply by 2000,
comply by 1999, all but by
Industry from shutdowns for the next 30
for people living near polluting plants.
only seven toxic chemicals In 20 years.
standards
Chicago) comply with smog
2005,
by
2010.
2005,
LA
years provided the Industry meets more
They also claim the Senate bill restricts the
Most legislators now agree instead on re-
ingredient
standards by those four
stringent emission standards. But steel
authority the federal government to step
quiring factories. from chemical plants to
must comply
ficials say the provision would require
in when smoggy areas fall to create their
dry cleaners. to Install the best anti-pollu-
them move faster and
own polfution-reduction plans.
tion technology available. The goal would
Smoggy areas must make steady
Smoggy areas must
Requires 3% year Improvements
emissions than any other Industry. They
the standard Is 'Is this bill better
be prevent at least 2,200 annual cancer
Improvement, at
Improvements
early
In smoggy
estimate the dost more than billion
than current law?' It obviously is." says
deaths toxic industrial emissions,
reduction
by 1995. which they say would funnel
Gene Karpinski, executive director of U.S.
while reducing birth and respi-
emissions.
money away from modernization efforts
Public Interest Research Group. "If the
ratory disease. The deep differences De
standard is 'Is this as good we should
how to cut the emissions.
Current
controls
on
and hurt their competitiveness.
Telepipe Standards, phased in
Tallpips Standards, phased
Tallpipe
Howard Metzenbaum, however,
have done?' obviously not.
Lawmakers have reached general
tallpipes
starting
starting
beginning with models:
But while Industries and regions of the
exhaust
gues that steelmakers don't deserve any
agreement on setting deadlines to reduce
Nilrogen
axide:
reduction;
Nitrogen reduction:
special break. The Ohio Democrat says
country are locked In their own
smog. Rather than Imposing single na-
1970.
Hydrocarbons:
reduction.
reduction.
Hydrocarbons: Second
that emissions steelmakers' coke or.
battles for relief, great deal of the air-
tionwide deadline for cleaning up smog,
Second cuts.
round of tallpipe would be
ens are among the most dangerous. Be-
pollution Issue Is all but decided.
the new approach is to tallor deadlines to
halving
required model
sides. he says, do not believe there will
The legislation sets standards for the
fit cities' pollution problems. Los Angeles,
and altrogen oxide,
study determines
be plant closings and job layoffs" as re-
next decade or so with respect to all the
the smoggiest city, for example, would
will be required for 2004 models.
needed and
sult of the stricter standards.
major Issues, Including car exhausts, acid
have until the year 2010 to eliminate un-
Talipipe standards must be
rain. toxic Industrial emissions and alter-
Tallpipe standards must be
Tailpipe standards must be
Tailpipe standards must be
Big oll companies also feel gouged.
healthy levels ozone. the main Ingredi-
maintained
for
miles
native fuels. But It also goes further In an
maintained for five years or 50,000
maintained for
maintained for years or
They foresee expensive refinery and distri-
ent In smog. There Is also general agree-
or five years.
milos.
effort to set standards for the
100,000
miles,
miles, though lesser standards lake
bution changes by 1992 they are forced
ment emissions must get cleaner.
first decade of the next century. Much of
standards take effect after first
effect after first 50,000 miles.
add ethanol or methanol to reformulated
Exactly how clean remains at Issue.
gasoline, as the Senate bill demands. The
the House debate is expected to focus on
One of the biggest changes from previ-
American Petroleum Institute. the main oll
these
goals.
ous attempts to clean up smog cities
Pollution equipment
warranty of
warranty of
Pollution warranty: five years,
trade group, says the new gasoline would
had had bill that addressed the
require not only that vehicles be
warrantied for miles
or five years.
80,000 miles or years for
miles for catalytic converter
cost cents gallon. The
clean-air problems In the U.S. for the next
but that their fuel get
or five years.
and electronic
and electronic flagnostic
fuel would be sold in the nation's nine
10 or 12 years alone, have had very
cleaner as well. President Bush proposed
diagnostic gear, or
equipment. years,
smogglest
few says William Rellly, chief
the idea, and now both houses of Congress
two years for all other pollution
miles for all other pollution gear.(2)
Auto makers say they lack the technol-
of the Environmental Protection Agency.
seem be buying The fuel of choice re-
gear.
ogy to cut as and
"It's only when you move Into that second
mains to be decided. policy
fast as the Senate legislation requires.
phase that you see very large cost num-
makers are tilting toward reformulated
Special nozzies on gas
To catch lumes, would require
To catch lumes, tentatively requires
Gasoline fumes: tentatively requires
Key House members already have staked
bers and very large differences of opin-
gasoline.
pumps
reduce
gasoline
nozzles on pumps for
canisters on new
canisters on cars. Would require
out similar though slightly tough
lon."
Here are the unsettled Issues
furnes during refueling are
38 moderately smoggy areas.
cars, requires special nozzies on
special nozzies on gas pumps
tallpipe The Industry
Billions of dollars of pollution regula-
likely to confront House, where Mr.
required California
gas pumps smoggy areas.
38 smoggy areas.
will have wait until later to press for
tion, much of It In Mr. Bush's original
Dingell's committee to complete Its
plus
changes when House-Senate conference
Is now accepted and
work on tegislation this week.
St.
Louis,
York
City
hammers out between the leg.
has not drawn serious challenge in Con-
The full House hopes totake up the legisla
and Washington D.C.
Islation passed by the chambers.
gress.
tion
In
May.
companies and miners
Surprisingly. one the least controver
N.A.
-ACID RAIN: Whether to help Mid-
Would require new gauges on care
Requires gauges on care to
Requires gauges on cars to alert
failed relief In the Senate
stal provisions of the bill puts the nation's
west utilities shoulder the steep cost
to alert drivers problems with
alert problems pollution-
problems pollution
rain provisions. The Senate for in-
first control law on the books,
acid rain controls-an issue that has
equipment.
control equipment.
equipment.
dustry spend $4 billion year to neutral-
requiring burning power plants to cut
mied legislation for
their
In smoggy areas, air-
emissions.
In smoggy areas, same
In
severely
smoggy
areas,
probably be decided through bruising re-
goes
Would require reductions from
lze acid rain. Unless Midwesterpers In the.
pollution equipment
For years, feroclous battling by coal
requirements as current Law for
further than current and
smaller Industrial polluters that
House can pull off an ald pack-
gional battle, possibly week in com-
required
at
factories
that
and utility Interests made acid rain the key
Industrial smog polluters, but adds
mittee.
requires reductions from
emit between 10 and
age, which is highly unlikely, producers
emit more than 100 tons
stumbling block to passage of sweeping
for regulations,
plants that emit over
Rep. Phil Sharp, an Democrat
of emissions year, depending on
such as Consolidation Coal Co. and Island
clean-air legislation. President Reagan
Including
printing
plants.
chemicals year.
Creek Corp. say they will lose customers
whose state would be hit with higher elec
severity smog problem the
year, and from
as atilities switch low coal. Some
doubted acid rain was serious problem.
tricity bills because of controls,
area. (2)
categories smaller
miners of high-sulfur coal,
But Mr. Bush's campaign pledge ad-
leads the advocates ubsidy for the
pollution.
principally In West Virginia, Indiana, IIII-
dress acid rain, combined with agreement
Midwestern utility compant that would
nois, Ohio and may lose
between the White House and environmen-
have to do the bulk of
their
jobs.
tallsts million -dioxide re-
cleanup. He is pitted lawmakers
duction, have forced the oldest foes to
But environmentalists have their prob-
from states. such as some the West,
lems with the Senate bill. too. They believe
admit the Inevitably of acid-rain con-
whose utilities have up
that Senate leaders started out with an en:
trols.
their emissions and don't to ball out
Even though many utility companies
the Midwest.
vironmentally aggressive proposal, but
made too many concessions In an effort to
are skeptical the scheme will ever work,
There may also be an attempt to pro-
avoid White House veto or Republican
Jawmakers generally agree that there
vide unemployment for high-
No requirements.
Auto makers must begin producing
Beginning with 1995 models, all
Beginning models,
filibuster
on
the
floor.
need
for
an
innovative
pollution
trading
sulfur coal miners who will lose their Jobs.
cars that on methanol or other
vehicles sold
cars
Without
tougher
smog
provisions
than
system to hold down the pricetag for acld-
An effort to legislate such relief the Sen
clean burning alternative to
cluss must amt
cities must emil tower
are In the Senate bill, environmentalists
rain controls. Under the proposed system,
ale falled by single vote.
conventional gasoline by 1995,
hydrocarbons cancer
hydrocarbons cars.
predict that many cities will miss their
utilities that voluntarily made extra-deep
-ALTERNATIVE FUELS:
On
split
salling least one million vehicles
cases resulting from their
Cancer cases would have to be cut
deadlines for reducing unhealthful smog
cuts
would
get
pollution
credits;
they
could
votes, Mr. Dingell's committee has
the nine smogglest cities
emissions by 12%.
12%. models,
levels.
They
also
say
that
auto
companies
sell
or
swap
these
credits
to
other
utilities,
adopted an program that
1997.
1999 models the standard
care
would
aren't
pushed
hard
enough
to
develop
new
which
could
then
use
them
to
expand.
relles heavily on reformulated gasoline to
hydrocarbons, cases
the nine smogglest cities. But theyssue
reduction cancer cases. EPA can
cut 27% unless relaxes the
destined to arise again on
relax the 1997 models.
cancer
floor.
Rep. Waxman and Rep. Bill
fleat
proposal
Starting with models,
Starting 1995 models, fleet
son, New Mexico Democrat,
vehicles
vehicles nine smogglest cities
Corn Farms, Ethanol Firm
for tougher program requiring wide
must
would have to lewer
of reformulated gas for cars and even-
75% fewer taxic
2000
cleaner alternatives, like natural gas, for
chemicals. Centrally fueled private
models, hydrocarbons would have
By
JOHN
E.
YANG
biggest commodities processing company.
fleet vehicles. Big Oil's patrons, led
flects of more than 20 vehicles
to
be
cut
75%
JOURNAL
dominates the domestic ethanol market
Texas Reps. Ralph Hall; Democrat:
must meet fleel standards,
Senate's clean
and major presence in Washington too.
Jack Fields, Republican, to
beginning with 1997 models.
bill would require use of
Mr. Andreas. his relatives and ADM's por
the
line.
gasoline the nation's nine smoggiest
litical action have contributed
Envi-
EMISSIONS
les, but It could benefit rural America as
$76,000 to Sen. Dole's political efforts. and
ronmentalists hope to persuade the House
much
as
urban
America.
the Midland Foundation
match Senate that would re-
The reason corn: The special gasoline
also has given $160,000 to the Dole Founda-
quire the U.S., ahead of other countries, to
Seven chemicals regulated
First round: Over the next 10
phase out entirely.
Arst
round:
same
requirement could vastly Increase use of
as
president's,
Rrst
round:
same
as
tion, charitable organization set up
president's
since 1970.
ethanol, corn-distilled alcohol that's
the Kansas Republican 1984. Since 1987,
CFCs, chiefly as refrigerants. tend to
mejority polluting plants would
but applies to more plants.
but applies more plants.
been favorite fuel of farm-state law-
Mr. Andreas personally gave $33,500 to
deplete the Earth' ozone layer, atmos-
be required technology
makers.
varlous
candidates.
pheric layer that screens much
available reduce by 75% to 90%
not have anything against ADM,"
olet radiation. However, the administration
their emissions of 191 toxic
Oll-state senators charge that the provi-
says Sen. Don Nickles IR., Okla.), who
opposes unllateral ban on CTC In favor
chemicals.
sion is nothing less than a gift for corn
growers and Midland Co.,
poses the provision. "But that Is where
International agreements*lo phase out
Second round: Additional deeper
Second round: Much to the disilke
the nation's largest producer of ethanol.
most of the benefits are going to
the
chemicals.
Second round: requires EPA to sol
culbacks could x required
business; bill would adopt
health-based standards that
plracy almed benefiting one Indus.
haps more of the benefits will them
For the Senate, the to approving
basis the EPA,
standard that
try
relative
to
another,"
Sen.
Phil
clean-air bill was anything but smooth.
produce ample margins of safety.
says
than
the
corn
farmers."
health Into account,
threatons to shut down plants
Gramm (R., Texas), who is running for re-
ADM didn't take position on the
Early on. lears of presidential veto or
finds plant's lumes still pose
unless they further reduce their
election this fall, its objective has ab-
amendment, according to company
Republican indus-
"unreasonable" risks.
emissions face
solutely nothing to do with clean
spokesman.
try outcries over the cost of committee
no more
executive
A spokesman for Sen. Dole says the
approved Senate leaders and the
lawmaker's support for the cleaner
White Into four weeks of
getting cancer furnes.
licer. Dwayne Andreas, is longtime
friend and contributor to Senate GOP
amendment
"has
nothing
to
do
with
negotiations. There, they cut the crucial
However, Congress could change
the standards risk-
leader Robert Dole of Kansas, a key
Dwayne Andreas,' adding: "This amend-
deals. Including the exemption
Coke ovens
backer the provision. And ADM's politi-
ens and the pollution allowances for
eligible for extension.
cal action committee has
senators not only In farm states but all
utility companies, that
congressional since 1987. In-
over: How do you make gasoline less
ate
bill.
Requires reductions of toxic air
Requires reductions of toxic
Requires reductions of toxic
cluding some to Sen. Gramm.
toxic?'
Despite opposition from Industry and
pollutants cars and gasoline
emissions cars In nine
emissions
The battle the cleaner-fuel amend-
The provision sets forth recipe for the
groups, the
refueling.
smogglest cities through changes
smogglest cities.
ment one of many that pit one commer-
reformulated gasoline that would have to
held. During of votes the floor,
gasoline.
cial against another. As with any
be sold the dirtiest cities by 1994: no
lawmakers turned back an effort to wring
piece of major legislation, many of the
more than one quarter
additional reductions In air pollution
skirmishes fought on the Senate floor and
chemicals called aromatics, no more than
cars and fuel and refused to maintain
in the Capitol's over the past
15, benzene and an oxygen content of at
strong federal role In foreing states and
two months have had as much do with
least
2.7%.
citles clean up smog. They also killed
ACID
RAIN
who would profit and who would Inse than
The big all companies and their allies
provision that would have allowed facto-
with cleaning America's air.
say that last direction virtually mandates
ries whose furnes pose cancer risks to buy
SENATE
Battle?
the use of ethanol. Sen. John Breaux (D.,
out adjoining neighborhoods If they
No
couldn't reduce the health
requirements.
First phase: 111
phase: same as president's
No action Expected an
For Instance, the Senate bill also In.
the Senate Environment
The result is Senate bill that doesn't
plants in 21 states
plan but must occur
attempt at In
cludes provision the dirtiest coal-
Committee. derides the provision as
totally please either environmentalists
(dioxide
tired Midwestern power plants with their
"clearly proposal.
other regions would help pay the
high cleanup costs. In another provision,
But aides Daschle say that
Industry. Business so upset, In fact, that
nationwide
steep costs dirty
additives, such methanol from
at contentious meeting re-
and an effort help de
independent coke championed
by such as Sen. Howell Heflin
natural gas, could satisfy the require-
cently, Industry leaders lashed out
plants are
ments.
White House officials for compromising
(D., Ala.). won exemption from
Second phase: More than 200
with Senate leaders on air pollution con-
Second phase: same as president
the threat of mandatory shutdown for fail-
Provision Supported
additional plants must make
trols that many corporate leaders feel are
but cuts must occur by 2000.
ing reduce cancer risks to nearby neigh-
The cleaner provision Is backed by
reductions by 2001, for
100 expensive.
borhoods.
reduction.
such environmental groups as the National
Growers of corn and other crops also
Clean Air Coalition and the Slerra Club
would benefit from an amendment. added
and by the Energy Coall-
GE Names Executive
Three-year extension of 2001
Three-year extension for use of
at the behest of farm-state lawmakers,
deadline for plants that use
technology.
tion. consumer-based public Interest
that will
that would give special treatment to am
group.
monta, one of the most common pollutants
For Environment Unit
continued use of high-
Both sides agree that the provision
sulfur coal.
released the atmosphere but Impor-
would add to the cost of fuel, though
tant ingredient In widely used fertilizers.
far apart on the question of how
Proponents the cleaner fuel provision
Reporter
Create Innovative pollution system
Amends trading system to give
much. The American Institute.
FAIRFIELD. Electric
utilities that make
pollution credits to dirty
say the big oll companies simply don't
trade group. claims the additional cost
Co. sald It named Stephen D. Ramsey,
deep
utilities that use scrubbers clean
want to the Investment required to
could as cents gallon. Mr.
produce the gasoline or face
Washington. D.C., environmental lawyer
can sell
up. and clean power
Daschle, citing figures from private In-
the from refiner
and former head of the Justice Depart-
want to Increase their emissions.
dustry consulting group, sald the addi-
les that already using ethanol.
ment's environmental
tional cost would only between one cent
Nationwide cap on
vice president, corporate environmental
Nationwide cap on
solely
and
three
cents
gallon.
emissions alter year 2000.
programs.
emissions alter 2,000.
their desire to maintain their profitable
Congressional Research Service es
monopoly on the gasoline market. even at
Mr. Ramsey. 42 years old, succeeds W.
timates the added cost to be 10
special benefits for ratepayers
No special benefits for miners or
the expense of the health the American
Roger Strelow, 4G, who left to Join Bechtel
miners hurt bill.
cents gallon, about $25 billion to $50
ratepayers beyond changes
public," says Sen. Thomas Daschle ID.,
Curp. as vice president of 113 environment
billion. Under certain circumstances,
trading system.
tal
S.D.), the provision's prime sponsor.
programs.
though. the research sald the cost
GE said Mr. Ramsey will be in charge
Require utilities In addition to
Same amount of
The provision Is but
could be as high as $100 billion.
of ensuring "consistent
emissions
the latest chapter In Congress' love affair
reductions president. but cuts
The Bush administration says the provi-
with ethanol, which has flourished thanks
practices across its busi
also blamed for acid rain
are stepped UP schedule
ston could add billions of dollars to the
In large part to federal tax subsidies and
nesses in the U.S. and abroad. He will di-
tons per year beginning
measure's cost. but allows that the reduc-
import tariffs promoted such farm-state
rect stall of technical. management and
2001,
tion toxic emissions from automobile
legal
lawmakers as Sens. Daschle and Dole.
personnel.
haust yield on which
Decatur, based ADM, the world's
Mr. Ramsey currently is senior part-
(1) Subcommittee compromise that's expected to prevail
hard to put price tag.
ПРГ at the law firm of Sidley & Austin.
Approved committee
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL WEDNESDAY, APRIL A15
THE SENATES CLEAN-AIR BILL
Benefits:
Environmentalists
Auto Makers Lobbied
And Auto Makers
By DAVID WERSEL
Weighing the Costs and Benefits
Fuel Rules
JOURNAL
Alan Dixon stood
Rev for Battle
on amendments
COSTS
BENEFITS
By
ABRAMSON
GM,
defended
the
effort
as
very
the Clean Air Act last week and com-
REDUCE
About
billion
for
death
many
Staff
Firms Win Round in Fight
straightforward. aboveboard educational
plained: "No one here knows how much
to
year,
according
to
some
scientists.
Feb. group
program."
bill will ultimately cost business In
RAIN
and
*Improve water acidic and streams
Over
Mileage
Standards;
Identifying Itself as "Nevadans for Fair
The highly technical nature of most of
America.
costly,
Northeast Midwest, where a
Fuel Economy Standards" sent more than
the clean-air provisions drew particularly
The Illinois Democrat might have
cleaner coal.
streams acidic, and vulnable.
Opponents
10,000 letters urging Nevada residents to
Intensive
lobbying,
much
like
piece
precisely post-
*Improve spruce their
write Democratic Sen. Richard Bryan to
major tax legislation. according several
tive effects of the bill, much less how to
prevent erosion, possibly
oppose the stricter standards
members.
dollar
Clearer eastern states where
put
value
on
them.
By NEAL TEMPLIN
was advocating as part of the overhaul
lieves there much lobbying on all
Americans
of
legislation.
sides "that It all tended to cancel each
Strange that sounds. Congress has
damage historic stone
makers
dodged
the
the same time, letters from 'West
spent far more time debating costs and
out.
buildings of thousands
In
the
Senate
Virginians for Fair Fuel Economy Stan-
benefits when passed the orig-
monuments outdoor sculptures. malanance
Nobody knows how much was spent
bill, but face legislative
dards" were blanketing Democratic Sen.
Inal Clean Act 20 years ago. "Back
costs for galvanized painted
and nobody ever will,
fight over this costly Issue.
Jay Rockefuller's state, In an effort to
then, little unseemly
sluce lobbylsts are only
former admin-
REDUCE
About
Reduce
discomfort,
such
shortness
breathhest
are pushing for Im
blunt support for the stricter fuel stan-
limited disclosures of their fees. But
environmental official at Re-
SMOO
Including:
for athletes, outdoor workers anceople
proved gasoline mileage key step
dards.
most certainly tens millions of
sources for the Future, Washington
AND
billion
make
between rilon
slowing change
The letter-writing ploy was part of
dollars. Just one coalition,
AIRBORNE
autos
and
and and perhaps as much $10illion
that linked burning
lobbying effort waged
Citizens for Sensible Control Acid Rain.
PARTICLES
cleaner;
under assumptions. Reducing chronic relratory
gasoline
and
other
fossil
fuels.
Auto
the
legisla-
But legislation In the 1990s demands
makers,
complain
that
tough
tion.
none
of
the
recipients
could
reported collecting more than $500,000
reduce
aliments, more problem, would
from Industry executives for 1989 ef
analysis-or the al-
more.
fuel economy law will force them to radi-
from the the sponsors
forts, according to the group's jobbying
tempt. All the cost figures being tossed
landfills, chemical
*Reduce damage wheat, com and oar
cally shrink cars time when
of
the
campaign
were
the
Big
Three
auto
disclosure.
around, Including those the accompany-
plants,
dry
cleaners
crops. Reducing ozone would
sumers
are
buying
bigger,
more
power-
makers.
They
jointly
hired
Washington
the Super Bowl lobbying,"
ing chart, are actually educated guesses
stationary
damage
ful
models.
consulting
firm
to
direct
so-called
says Zoe Schneider, lobbled clean
that assumptions technology.
sources;
*Clearer southern California and northeam
car Industry is going to fight like
lobbying campaign against
for the U.S. Public Interest Research
business behavior and that cer-
cities.
hell,
but
50
are
says
Daniel
Becker,
Bryan's
tain to change over the next decade.
director warming energy
amendment.
which
Group, group affiliated with consumer
inspection and main-
activist
Ralph
Nader.
As spongy the cost estimates
tenance programs
grams
for
the
Slerra
Club.
think
from the
reliable than the best
other
was also superbowl for campaign
programs;
Congress going conclude they need
Other Industry coalitions, Including
billion
In 1989, year in which
estimates of the benefits. Scientists
tighten
up
[corporate
average
chemical utilities,
additional
state
and
face an election, Sen. Carl Levin
agree on harm done by acid
fuel
economy
ducted parallel efforts aimed provisions
(D., collected mainly from
rain, instance, and they know
The
auto
Industry
won
an
important
the legislation that affected them. More
committees.
much caused lungs by
REDUCE
billion
*Prevent the cases
skirmish
when
blocked
an
amendment
than 150 different organizations and law
Industry and Involved in
smog impossible for
EMISSIONS
depending
regula-
cancer fraction toxic
from Senate bill that would have effec-
firms registered to lobby the issue,
the clean-air fight. In December.
to assign dollar values to the
listed
tively required econ-
making this one the most lob-
ponied up $500
benefits
of
controlling
or
the
CHEMICALS
respitory
omy. Such GM's
bled
pieces
of
legislation
in
the
101st
Con-
Chair
problem. And then there is the always-
illness
objection" the clean bill. says WII-
gress.
man at the Detroit Club. Sen.
tough question: How much worth to
of
Ilam Noack, General Motors
Campaign
were
among
Levin, tough battle for this
save
one
human
life?
office.
the
billion
emission
potent
weapons
In
Industry's
year, was the auto industry point
By
any
measure,
the
bill
that
went
be-
But fight is still looming. Yesterday,
the
Senate
Scl-
lobbying arsenal. Industries Involved the
clean
air.
on
fore the Senate costly. Bush admin-
ence and Transportation
clean-air fight have such diverse legisla-
William Blacklow, spokesman
figures about
bill,
written
Sen.
Richard
tive
Interests
that
their
Levin,
says
his
boss's
stands
on
clean
air
year 2005, when fully Imple-
Committee,
Office
Technology
and executives usually ac-
to do with his campaign con-
mented. That's for
the
Future
Bryan would
to 20% Improve-
tive contributors. are signs that
tributions. reverse
current the U.S., roughly
value of all goods and services
ment
in
corporate
economy
the legislation heavier-
Blacklow, "they contribute because of his
tried
very
hard
to
how
much
harm
acid
rain
one
duced in the United States in 1% days.
and 40% Improvement by 2001. The bill
campaign giving.
stands. Levin nobody's man but his
make sure that methods
element
of
the
bill
that
most
uses
1988
base.
Some business groups say the cost will
"There
was
50
much
money
on
all
senator's campaign manager,
used to achieve cleaner says
criticism
from
economists
tougher
Approval came despite Jobbying from
says Rep. Mike Synar
Gordon Kerr, Iacocca was long-
be
far
higher.
The
Itself
"Michael Boskin; of the
restrictions
Impose
industry
officials:
Ford
Motor
Co.
that its cost could rise as much
chemicals.
who sits on the panel that
time
Economic Advisers. In en-
supporter
of
the
senator
and
toxic
could
much
Chairman Harold Poling personally
billion
year.
stricter
vironmental
regulation
from
the
70s,
but
bigger annual cancer
Ited four key senators before The
was
the
focus
of
the
lobbying
ac-
co-chairman of bis 1984 campaign. Sen.
controls the Senate bill are triggered
there
were
number
of
features,
espe-
spent
that
money
elsewire)
Livity.
talking
about
lobbyists
who
auto-Industry
contributions
were
says
Bryan
bill
the
potential
to
eliminate
Some
groups
clally original Senate bill, which
Mr.
Portney.
example:
non
the
family
argues
their
kids
through
school
on
this
also
small
percentage
of
the
$2.7
million
say the total cost is far less.
tantly disregarded any sense of balancing
homes.
Noack.
been
dealing
he ralsed for his re-election war chest last
Mr.
Portney.
whose
group
tries
to
re-
the benefits healthier environment
the
end,
he
notes,
Senate leadership already promised
main nonpartisan in this debate, figures
with
the
cost
of
lost
jobs
and
higher
utility
be
the
besfudges
give
the
bill
time
on
the
floor
the cost at between billion or $30 bil-
what
Americans
are
later this year. behind
The auto industry showcase ef-
According recent study by Congres
lion. He the may be
With the figures so rough. no one
cleaner air. could be
the
clean
air
bill
have
they
sup-
fort. While
slonal Quarterly. members of the House
low-balling
its
estimates
to
defend
the
position on the Clean Air bill based
mists'
port tougher fuel not
and General Motors Corp. each maintains
Energy and Commerce Committee col-
reached with the Senate.
strictly an objective weighing of costs
sociated with these things,
because
global
but
also
large Washington staffed with pro-
lected than from
But that are likely to fall be-
benefits.
like
clate the high values that peop attach
of about the trade defi-
fessional lobbylsts, the companies added
tion committees sponsored by 110 Indus-
cause Industry will have an Incentive
such
approach
say
they
don't
have
such
things
as
bunn
health.
no
small
part
by
massive
extra heft outside lawyers and con-
tries Involved In the clean-nir fight. This
figure out cheaper ways to meet the tar-
enough
Information.
improving and protecty the eco
purchases of foreign oll.
sultants. Ford, for example, called for-
represented 55% Increase above the
gets
set
the
bill.
Although
controversy
persists
about
system."
Currently, foreign and domestic car
mer Transportation Secretary William
amounts these same lawmakers received
are required meet
Coleman, now partner at Washington
in 1987, last election year.
Small
Concerns
Face
gallon
From
average
for
their
U.S.
Impact
fleets,
about
law firm, and Lloyd Cutler. the Demo-
Synar, member panel who
:wice what the averaged
cratic lawyer who was White House coun-
doesn't accept PAC contributions, says
the But after years of increases,
sel during the Carter administration.
such contributions "do not buy amend-
the average fuel economy of cars sold in
U.S. began dropping two years
Some the lobbying became con-
ments or votes. They buy access. How
My
reaction
Help.
we
herd
old
amendments to the clean air gislation
4% since 1988, according to the Environ-
troversial. Sen. Bryan accused the auto
ever, the
legisla-
help,'
provide
some
ald.
The
Senatepproved
mental
Protection
Agency.
makers
coming
Into
hts
state
"under
needed to buy access on the bill.
Richmond, Va., station for
change sponsored Sens. RudBoschwitz
false
colors"
In
In the 1990 model year. Ford, GM and
their
cam-
"Members
were
diligently
trying
to
hear
big impact on U.S. small businesses from
years.
seems
like
our
(R.,
Minn.
and
BorenD.,
Okla.)
Corp.
paign.
William
Noack,
spokesman
for
from
all
sides
anyway.
manufacturers
and
retailers
to
dry
government out of busi-
that would direct states techni-
cleaners and auto repair shops.
miles
gallon
miles
cal
gallon,
al-
ness."
help
small
companies
seek
aid.
But few small concerns have any Idea
though
all
should
avoid
But
paying
federal
Mr. Carr, whose has six gasoline
amendment
by
Sens.
Nickles
the kinds and confusion
fines
because
of
credits
accumulated
Environmental Uses
pullips, would cost about
Okla.
and
Howell
Heflin
likely to face In getting permits to operate
years. companies say
expand their businesses, in purchasing
equip
them
with
nozzles
to
catch
the
streamline
the
va.
process
of
permits
bers
are
down
because
selling
equipment or changing the products
pors
released
while
filling
fuel
operate was rejected Similar
more with bigger engines and weight-
tank.
But
he
has
amendments
will
be
sought
House.
they use, say small business groups. Such
says
already
spent
adding options and safety equipment.
Expertise to Debate
organizations have been fighting make
to prevent leakage from his under-
Potential Loopholes
Even blgger drops fuel economy
the measures now moving through Con-
ground storage tanks, and the insurance
Business
owners
will
firsencounter
have come from Japanese car makers,
By
TIMOTHY
NOAH
the unfathomable complexities of clean
gress more user friendly their mem-
company tells him needs to spend at
clean
air
rules
when
applior
who
once
sold
only
cars
but
are
now
JOURNAL
air. think
bers by providing for small business om-
least
another
$8,000
to
install
lution
permits,
the
making
an
aggressive
for
the
heart
of
few
weeks
dur.
term Sen. John Kerry Mass. "They
budsmen and other regulatory breaks.
pressure before consider Insur-
tional Association of Manufacter
the
market.
Nissan
Mo-
Institutional memory that simply.
"This watershed for small busl-.
Ing
him.
The
station's
gross
revenue
tor policy. the
and
Toyota
bill,
John
Chaffee
(R.,
couldn't
ness,' says Donna Singletary, lobbyist
amount to $3,000 monthly, he says.
mits
amendment,
companie
wouldn't
duced
luxury
with
engines.
Partly
agreed
not
to
offer
tough
amendment
Not that the Senate bill is an environ-
Issues
not against clean air or clean wa-
have
permits
because
of
this.
Toyota's
corporate
outlawing
mentalists' dream. signed into
the
National
Federation
of
Independent
ter. I'd like Iclean the environ-
to
their
states.
Also,
siller
age
Is
projected
to
drop
to
30.5
miles
per
pleting
would not solve our most air
Business, the
ment) but there should be reasonable
cerns
estimate
toxic
elssions
year, below
was
the
cue
for
David
Doniger
lution Mr.
clean air act would be bear
price tag on Mr. Carr says.
stead
purchasing
1988 level of miles. The imports are
whir
into
action.
three lobbyists supported Senate
they
passed
everything
we
wanted
in
systems.
backwards,' com-
As staff attorney at the Natural Re-
Majority Leader George Mitchell
amendments.'
Woes
we
go
through
plains
Bryan.
sources Defense Council, Mr. Doniger
Maine the with after
The air toxics portion of the Senate bill
In New York and its suburbs. It cost
process,
want
them
to
Now, the Bryan bill would require each
helped write the amendment. And before
he worked out compromise agreement
would require manufacturers, pest control
many
stations
about
$30,000
to
Install
the
explains
Bernard
manufacturer
boost
Its
Individual
fuel
long. the lanky, bald and bearded environ-
with
the
White
House.
firms,
auto
body
shops,
farmers
and
dry
vapor-recovery systems, according
man
Hofmann
Industries,
maker
economy.
first
20%
then
by
mental lawyer had helped resurrect the
"There has been of con-
cleaners use chemicals
Ralph Bombadiere, executive director
steel
tubing
In
Sinking
change
from
the
practice
of
requiring
provision the Senate floor, with
cedes Mr. Ayres, who chairs
adopt
safer
substitutes.
To
control
ur-
the New York State Association of Service
want
an
attorney
an
en-
manufacturers
to
meet
single,
Industry-
Gore
Tenn.
as
the
sponsor.
sur-
lobbying coalition that Includes the NRDC
ban smog. printers, bakeries, auto repair
Station and Repair Shops. Over the past
gineer
on
my
payroll.
What
doing:
wide
number
pay
penalties.
The
ap-
vived
as
part
of
the
Senate's
the Sierra Club. Instead Mitch-
shops,
cleaning
and
maintenance
firms,
two
years,
he
says,
many
the
area's
filling
out
paper
work
providing
proach In the bill has Incensed the
bill.
bargaining with the Bush administra-
gasoline
stations
and
restaurants
would
Income of about
Japanese, Imposes especially
Mr. Doniger, 38 years old, Is the youn-
tion, he says the coalition would pre-
face
regulation
of
emissions
from
alcohol
decided pumping
The
dry
cleaning
industry,
dom-
tough
burden
because
their
of
three
NRDC
whose
exper-
ferred
to
whip
public
support
and
products
such
as
oline
and
concentrate
on
repairing
cars.
Inated
small,
expects
averages
already
exceed
those
of
the
U.S.
has
proved
tougher
bill.
be
hit
hard
by
the
clean
allegistation.
Big
Three.
dispensable
In
the
reality is that we didn't have the
Toughest Occur
New.
equipment
By contrast. Chrysier and Ford each
shaping
of
the
votes
for
the
Mitchell,
that
dry
prefer the
ate
bill.
of Mitchell
will
need,
cost
about
proach over an number,
They
have
the Input on the clean-air
In Conference Committee Sessions
cleaners
that
though
they
feel
the
the
praise
criticlsm
helpful.
tually
be
subject
to
bill
are
too
GM
opposed
to
shadow
legisla-
The environmental lawyers' actions
lations
large
companies
standards,
period,
company
have prompted some the Senate
ROSE GUTFELD
plans on areas that fall to come up with
sources
of
air
toxics.
say,
outright petulance.
JOURNAL
them on their own; the Senate bill would
the
chemal
used
For Its part, the Senate clean air bill
the
Minority Alan Simpson (R.,
toughest political
leave full responsibility with the states.
dry
cleaners,
listed
an
toxic,
will perhaps to the cost new
bill
while
shooting
complains of their "unrealistic
over may not on
Smoggier cities also would be required to
though
neighborhood
dry
car.
But
many
auto
executives
believe
other
the three
the House Senate floor but confer-
take
harsher
sidered
small
than
under
"area"
pollu-
tough fuel economy law will be much
With
the
Senate
bill
holding
leg
ence committee. when leaders from both
tion,
under
the
law
the
goverment
worse.
perhaps
them
stop
build-
behind
them,
they
Islation during the past decade.
chambers meet to settle their differ-
the controls
cide
bunch
together
small
But
lluters
and
Ing
big
cars
entirely.
switch
their
atten-
David
Sen.
Doniger
Simpson
also
their
ences.
to
smaller
polluters.
regulate
them
as
major
of
the
Backers
of
tougher
fuel
Insist
tion
to
the
House,
of
Issues:
economy
have
According to some predictions. the con-
TOXIC EMISSIONS: To date, the Sen-
chemical.
the auto makers could meet the standards
where
they
are
likely
to
have
even
more
great
knowl-
tentlous deliberations could take months,
ate and House are pursuing different tech-
"The
bottom
line
Is
to
have
to
without significantly cutting down the size
Influence,
edge
leaving the Issue unresolved polit-
niques for eliminating remaining cancer
take
less
profit
prices,'
The other members of this green trio
and
or
cars. Sen. points U.S. Office
very
Ically charged days before the November
risks from factories after Installed
Mare
of Technology study
are
Richard
Ayres,
18,
who
20
bright.
years
ago
elections. Already it's possible to detect
the best available technol-
Valet
International,
car makers could Improve fuel economy
founded the NRDC with Yale
triumvirate
some the Important differences between
ogy. think the Senate
dry
cleaner:
good
from
my
merely through more extensive use of
School classmates, and
the two houses:
perspective
approach sets too weak health standard.
expect
Isting
such
who former administrator
the
House
side,
CARS: There's disagreement over how
cleaners
be
able
the
Yesterday,
the
Energy
Com-
equip-
fuel
House
Injection
and
and
en-
the Environmental Protection Agency
where
drive,
multivalve
fast require an Initial round of cuts In
ment
and
more
only
have
gines.
government
veteran
the
more
of
Influ-
talipipe emissions and how decide
merce Committee voted to adopt an пр-
business.
Valet,
Ronald Boltz, Chrysler's vice president
three.
whether require second round. The
proach the remaining risks that sim-
about
Invest
Rep.
of product strategy and regulatory affairs,
Henry
Wax
first round, estimated to add $100 the
Together, they represent new breed:
llar existing law, requiring the EPA
about $100,000 In new
disagrees, saying that changes In technol-
man
the
lawyer
would effect
yupple.
establish standards that pro-
small
of
will
produce
some
these
gains,
but
ating
out
of
sleek
der the Senate than under the leading
vide an "ample margin safety' to the
lected
the
bill
the
by
clean
air
regulates
rest
must
En-
will
see
come
from
reduced
downtown
House proposal. There also are different
maximum exposed Individual.
their
costs
Increase
weight.
and
In
blond
triggers for determining when second
will
Committee.
tailers
pay
Increased
Since 1974 the auto Industry has
wood
rely
UTILITIES:
Power
plants
Insportation
and
would
have
silver-
round, estimated to add $500 to the price,
slimmed down the average U.S. car
quite
heavily
on
them,"
grocery
says
Rep.
Wax
kicks
In.
make required sulfur diox-
taxed
for
using
refrigerants
damage
little
less
than
3,000
pounds
from
more
lon
Georgia
Even though both houses are
ide sooner under the Senate plan. The Sen-
the
ozone
layer
the
cosbl
cleaning
than
pounds.
In
many
cases,
car
O'Keefe,
they
The NRDC has little clout with other
take
toward gasoline. there
ate gives tradable credits to the dirt
supplies
Increase
as
reformu-
makers
were
able
trim
weight
without
salaries
members the Energy and Commerce
likely be differences how clean
lest Midwest the heavlest
lated
to
eliminate
oftening
chemi-
reducing
Interior
Committee, the
any
volunie,
but
Mr.
Bolts
upwards
of
$80,-
the be and how widely
costs and to utilities across the country
cals.
says
won't
be
the
case
this
time
000.
That's
less
more the House says
quire
its
that need able expand meet ris-
biggest
problem
members
around.
The
Bryan
bill
would
force
their
corporate
Mr. Hawkins, because there are many
have
members
SMOG: The chief difference now np-
electricity demands. The plan also
(with
the
rules
Chrysler have an average economy
from
urban
coming
cleanir
ponents
centers,
where
pears be how strong federal role
gives double the usual credits to utilities
know
what
Ben
miles
per
gallon
2001,
making
enough
establish
worst problems occur.
w require in foreing states and cities to
that Install scrubbers, rather than switch-
Cooper,
director
of
affairs
largest car a compact, he says.
air
Started ramshackle of-
perma-
for
clean up major Issue for envi-
Printing
Industries
to
low-sulfur
America.
coal.
senators, reminiscent
nence
the
fice in 1970, the NRDC now boasts
organi.
Informa-
zation.
offices In San Francisco and Honolulu. De-
ronmentalists and state and local groups.
The
House
committee
consider
the when Ford warned that the
may
spite its exempt status, the
The
leading
House
proposal
would
require
similar changes when takes the sub-
first fuel law could require
Throughout the legislative debate, the
operation
rather
than
product
line
research and advocacy group permitted
of
Pinto
vehl-
government
to
Impose
of
acid
rate
this
three themselves
week.
law lobby Congress. Its membership
cles,'
technicians
ready
to
school
legislators
totals
120,000.