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FOIA Number: 2012-0769-F FOIA MARKER This is not a textual record. This is used as an administrative marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff. Collection/Record Group: Clinton Presidential Records Subgroup/Office of Origin: Council on Environmental Quality Series/Staff Member: Kathleen (Katie) McGinty Subseries: [correspondence] OA/ID Number: 2256 FolderID: Folder Title: [R- October 1993] [Loose] Stack: Row: Section: Shelf: Position: S 61 5 3 1 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 27, 1993 Mr. and Ms. John and Pat Rickert 441 Horizon Hills Road Williams, OR 97544 Dear Mr. and Ms. Rickert: Thank you for your recent letter regarding President Clinton's Forest Management Plan. It was good to hear from you. The President, the Vice President and I are committed to the preservation of the environment in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. We believe that the Forest Conference was a significant step toward the resolution of the problems facing the Pacific Northwest. As you know, President Clinton recently announced his Forest Plan for a Sustainable Economy and a Sustainable Environment, based on the analytical work of three working groups established at the Forest Conference. This Administration believes that the Forest Plan is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest. This plan also includes a new economic assistance program that helps local workers, businesses and communities in strengthening the region's economy by creating family-wage jobs, offering new economic opportunities, and ensuring the region's long-term economic health. I certainly appreciate learning your views about this very important matter. We continue to seek a Forest Plan that is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest, and we are currently soliciting advice and comments on possible improvements to the proposed plan. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely, Lather a.M.BmS Kathleen McGinty Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl SAVE UR ISKIYOU President Bill Clinton J Kathleen Mc GinTy The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 Dear President Clinton, The endangered Siskiyou Forest in southwestem Oregon desper- ately needs your help. This is the largest, most intact Ancient Forest ecosystem on the West Coast, with almost 300,000 acres of unprotected roadless wildlands. It is a global treasure, a genetic Noah's Ark contain- ing the most diverse coniferous forest in the world. Scientists have recognized this region as one of the biologically most valuable areas in all of North America. Please do not allow these irreplaceable wild areas - so important as habitat for owls, salmon and scores of rare plants - to be sacrificed for a few more years of jobs and profits for the timber industry. Please permanently withdraw all Siskiyou National Forest Roadless Areas from logging and development. Adopt Forest Plan Option 1 of the Spotted Owl Environmental Impact Statement, which would create a true Ancient Forest Reserve System, protected from all logging. Also, make no exceptions to existing environmental laws, and stop all raw log exports. Sincerely, Name YaT .) John Rickent Address 441 Harizon Hills Rd. City, State, Zip Williams OR 97544 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 27, 1993 Dr. Theodore Roszak Professor of History California State University, Hayward 790 Cragmont Avenue Berkeley, CA 94708 Dear Dr. Roszak: This is to notify you that I am in receipt of your letters dated September 13 and October 20 regarding your book The Voice of the Earth and your role as Editor-in-Chief of the Sierra Club Books anthology on ecopsychologicical writings. It was good to hear from you, and I apologize for the delay in my response. As you know, I share Vice President Gore's commitment to the preservation of our environment in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. I certainly appreciate learning about your continuing efforts to increase public awareness about today's difficult environmental challenges. I have made your book available to my staff for their reference. With regard to your specific request that Vice President Gore submit a preface for your anthology, I have forwarded your request to his office. Please contact his office directly for further information. Again, thank you for your interest regarding this matter. Sincerely, Letter Kathleen A. a. McGinty Msay Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/jac THEODORE ROSZAK 790 CRAGMONT AVENUE, BERKELEY CALIFORNIA 94708, (510) 525-4220 October 20, 1993 TO THE PERSON WHO OPENS KATHLEEN MCGINTY'S MAIL: Imagine it is 1863 Imagine you are one of President Lincoln's hard-working staffers Imagine you open a letter and it says: Dear Mr President: I would like to invite you to make a short address dedicating a cemetery just outside Gettysburg Imagine you do what a good staffer is supposed to do. You say "Sorry, the President is too busy." Would President Lincoln thank you? This is that kind of letter. It is the third overnight letter I have sent to Ms McGinty since September, asking her help in passing along the enclosed request to Vice President Gore: Dear Mr Vice President: I would like to invite you to contribute a one-page preface to an Sierra Books anthology that will pioneer a radical new approach to environmental policy Would you be good enough to let me know that Ms McGinty has at least seen this request and had the chance to think it over? If she decides that there is no hope for this request, so be it. At least I will know the matter was considered. Gratefully, Theodore Roszak Professor of History California State University, Hayward '. Please place phone calls Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays or weekends before 10:00 AM California time. CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, HAYWARD HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA, 94542 DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY (510) 881-3207 Brian- think what down Thenk do September 13, 1993 Honorable Kathleen McGinty Director of the Office of Environmental Policy Old Executive Office Building, Room 360 Trey Washington, DC 20501. was Dear Ms McGinty: A few days ago I sent you the enclosed letter, together with copies of my book The Voice of the Earth. I'd like to update that mailing with the enclosed items: Aarel. A report from The Washington Post dealing with ecopsychology. for A letter from Dr. Noel Brown, Director of the United Nations Environment Programme in support of our 1994 conference. I think Dr. Brown's remarks constitute a significant endorsement for our work. I hope you will bring them to Vice President Gore's attention. The Center for Psychology and Social Change at Harvard has just brought out a report in its bulletin dealing with ecopsychology. I will forward that as soon as it arrives. My hope is that you will see enough originality and promise in ecopsychology to recommend that the Vice President join us by offering the Preface I am requesting for the Sierra Club Books anthology. My other hope is that all this material is finding its way to you. These days one cannot be sure the phone, the fax, or the fedex ever get through. It would be good to have a note from someone letting me know. Or if my previous mailing never got there, well I will try again. With Best Wishes, Theodore Roszak Professor of History California State University, Hayward Please answer at: 790 Cragmont Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94708, (510) 525-4220. ALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, HAYWARD HAYWARD, CALIFORNIA, 94542 DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY (510) 881-3207 September 4, 1993 Honorable Kathleen McGinty Director of the Office of Environmental Policy Old Executive Office Building, Room 360 Washington, DC 20501. Dear Ms McGinty: I am taking the liberty of sending you the enclosed material, including two copies of the new paperback edition of my book The Voice of the Earth, with the hope that you will help me bring the attached letter (and the book) to Vice-President Gore's attention. I'm writing to you because, as you may (at least dimly) recall, you were instrumental in securing the comment from then-Senator Gore that now adorns the cover of the paperback edition of The Voice of the Earth. I also enclose a recent New York Times feature on ecopsychology written by Daniel Goleman, the psychology editor of the Times. The article is a landmark measure of how far the new discipline of ecopsychology has come in the past year. Of all the many environmental books that have appeared in recent years, there are only a few that emphasize the crucial relevance of values and emotional motivation to the environmental crisis - - what Vice-President Gore has called our "inner ecology." For the most part, love, loyalty, and our spiritual condition are neglected factors in the discussion. Vice-President Gore's Earth in the Balance and my book The Voice of the Earth share a concern for bringing these matters of the heart into a practical discussion of environmental policy. I gather that is why his book and mine are being used as assigned texts in the new ecopsychology course now being offered at Harvard. Now HERE IS THE MAIN POINT OF THIS LETTER: In recognition of the growing importance of the psychological approach to environmentalism, Sierra Club Books, our leading environmental publisher, has invited me to serve as editor-in-chief of an anthology of ecopsychological writings. This will be the first book of a psychological nature to be issued by Sierra Club. As the enclosed letter from my editor indicates, Sierra Books hopes this collection will meet a significant need in both psychological training courses and environmental studies programs. Would Vice-President Gore be willing to offer a one page (300 word) preface to this volume? His preface would be teamed with a second preface by Dr. James Hillman, who has strongly endorsed the importance of bringing ecology and psychology together. The book would thus begin with words of introduction by our leading environmental spokesman and by an international psychiatric authority. The volume will close with a "last word" by Jeannette Armstrong, an Okanagan Indian who attended a recent ecopsychology conference I convened. I frankly have no. idea if it is appropriate to offer the Vice-President an honorarium for his contribution, but the Sierra Club is willing to pay $500 for the 300 words. The Vice- President is, of course, free to donate the fee if he wishes to an environmental organization of his choosing. In any case, the fee is available. The deadline for contributions to the book is (ideally) February 15 of 1994 though with maximum flexibility in the Vice-President's case. I hope that Vice-President Gore will see this as an opportunity to make his distinctive concerns part of a volume that Sierra Club Books believes will have a long and influential life among environmentalists and psychologists -- and especially among students. He is one of the few figures in the environmental movement who has the moral, psychological, and spiritual sensitivity -- and the literary talent -- to write the preface I am seeking. My fellow editors and myself would be honored to have his work represented in our volume. May I have your help in passing this request along? The enclosed letter to the Vice-President includes some indication of the sections of Earth in the Balance that relate closely to the themes of ecopsychology. I'm sure a word from you would help draw this intellectual exercise to his attention. With Best Wishes, Theodore Roszak Professor of History California State University, Hayward PLEASE REPLY AT: 790 Cragmont Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94708. (510) 525-4220 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 27, 1993 Mr. Joseph Rosier W4360 Juddville Road Fish Creek, WI 54212 Dear Mr. Rosier: Thank you for your recent letter regarding President Clinton's Forest Management Plan. It was good to hear from you. The President, the Vice President and I are committed to the preservation of the environment in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. We believe that the Forest Conference was a significant step toward the resolution of the problems facing the Pacific Northwest. As you know, President Clinton recently announced his Forest Plan for a Sustainable Economy and a Sustainable Environment, based on the analytical work of three working groups established at the Forest Conference. This Administration believes that the Forest Plan is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest. This plan also includes a new economic assistance program that helps local workers, businesses and communities in strengthening the region's economy by creating family-wage jobs, offering new economic opportunities, and ensuring the region's long-term economic health. I certainly appreciate learning your views about this very important matter. We continue to seek a Forest Plan that is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest, and we are currently soliciting advice and comments on possible improvements to the proposed plan. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely, Latten a. MGBJ Kathleen A. McGinty Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl AVE UR ISKIYOU Kathleen McGinty Office of Environmental Policy 01d: Executive Office Bldg. - Rm 358 Washington, DC 20501 Dear Kathleen McGinty The endangered Siskiyou Forest in southwestem Oregon desper- ately needs your help. This is the largest, most intact Ancient Forest ecosystem on the West Coast, with almost 300,000 acres of unprotected roadless wildlands. It is a global treasure, a genetic Noah's Ark contain- ing the most diverse coniferous forest in the world. Scientists have recognized this region as one of the biologically most valuable areas in all of North America. Please do not allow these irreplaceable wild areas - SO important as habitat for owls, salmon and scores of rare plants - to be sacrificed for a few more years of jobs and profits for the timber industry. Please permanently withdraw all Siskiyou National Forest Roadless Areas from logging and development. Please support Forest Plan Option 1, which would create a true Ancient Forest Reserve System, protected from all logging. Also, please make no exceptions to exisiting environmental laws, and stop all raw log exports. Sincerely. Name Joseph Rossier Address W4360 Juddoille Rd City, State, Zip Fish Creek, IUIS 54212 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 27, 1993 Ms. Maggy Rosner W4360 Juddville Road Fish Creek, WI 54212 Dear Ms. Rosner: Thank you for your recent letter regarding President Clinton's Forest Management Plan. It was good to hear from you. The President, the Vice President and I are committed to the preservation of the environment in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. We believe that the Forest Conference was a significant step toward the resolution of the problems facing the Pacific Northwest. As you know, President Clinton recently announced his Forest Plan for a Sustainable Economy and a Sustainable Environment, based on the analytical work of three working groups established at the Forest Conference. This Administration believes that the Forest Plan is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest. This plan also includes a new economic assistance program that helps local workers, businesses and communities in strengthening the region's economy by creating family-wage jobs, offering new economic opportunities, and ensuring the region's long-term economic health. I certainly appreciate learning your views about this very important matter. We continue to seek a Forest Plan that is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest, and we are currently soliciting advice and comments on possible improvements to the proposed plan. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely, Kathen a. Mabing Kathleen A. McGinty Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl AVE UR ISKIYOU Kathleen McGinty Office of Environmental Policy 01d Executive Office Bldg. - Rm 358 Washington, DC 20501 Dear. Kathleen- McGinty The endangered Siskiyou Forest in southwestem Oregon desper- ately needs your help. This is the largest, most intact Ancient Forest ecosystem on the West Coast, with almost 300,000 acres of unprotected roadless wildlands. It is a global treasure, a genetic Noah's Ark contain- ing the most diverse coniferous forest in the world. Scientists have recognized this region as one of the biologically most valuable areas in all of North America. Please do not allow these irreplaceable wild areas - so important as habitat for owls, salmon and scores of rare plants - to be sacrificed for a few more years of jobs and profits for the timber industry. Please permanently withdraw all Siskiyou National Forest Roadless Areas from logging and development. Please support Forest Plan Option 1, which would create a true Ancient Forest Reserve System, protected from all logging. Also, please make no exceptions to exisiting environmental laws, and stop all raw log exports. Sincerely, Name Magory Magrotnet Losner Address W4360 Juddville Rd. City, State, Zip Fish Creek We. 54212 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 27, 1993 Ms. Mary Ann Robinson P.O. Box 11945 Honolulu, HI 96828 Dear Ms. Robinson: Thank you for your recent letter regarding President Clinton's Forest Management Plan. It was good to hear from you. The President, the Vice President and I are committed to the preservation of the environment in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. We believe that the Forest Conference was a significant step toward the resolution of the problems facing the Pacific Northwest. As you know, President Clinton recently announced his Forest Plan for a Sustainable Economy and a Sustainable Environment, based on the analytical work of three working groups established at the Forest Conference. This Administration believes that the Forest Plan is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest. This plan also includes a new economic assistance program that helps local workers, businesses and communities in strengthening the region's economy by creating family-wage jobs, offering new economic opportunities, and ensuring the region's long-term economic health. I certainly appreciate learning your views about this very important matter. We continue to seek a Forest Plan that is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest, and we are currently soliciting advice and comments on possible improvements to the proposed plan. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely, Kathleen A. McGinty MiDas Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl ENGLISH PLUS! ESL Tutoring and Classes P.O. Box 11945 * Honolulu, Hawaii * 96828 * (808) 734-8927 September 17, 1993 Kathleen McGinty Director, Office of Environmental Policy Room 350, Old Executive Office Building Washington, D.C. 20501 Dear Ms. McGinty; I am writing to urge you to support a plan for the ancient forests of the Pacific Northwest that gives more protection to forests and wildlife and puts fewer trees at risk of cutting and sale. Although President Clinton's plan is definitely a step in the right direction, North America needs a plan that establishes a real and permanent ancient forest reserve system, with no opportunities for "salvage" logging or thinning. We also need to limit logging to sustainable levels, set higher standards for species and ecosystem survival, protect more of the Eastside and Sierra Nevada forests, and eliminate log exports. The logging industry is a vocal proponent of its own interests. Our forests, wildlife, and future generations have no voices of their own. It is the responsibility of the President and his administration to see that these vital interests are protected. Thank you for your time and consideration of my views. Sincerely, MARobinson Mary Ann Robinson THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 27, 1993 Mr. Speed Rogers 251 Purple Finch Lane Brevard, NC 28712 Dear Mr. Rogers: Thank you for your recent letter regarding President Clinton's Forest Management Plan. It was good to hear from you. The President, the Vice President and I are committed to the preservation of the environment in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. We believe that the Forest Conference was a significant step toward the resolution of the problems facing the Pacific Northwest. As you know, President Clinton recently announced his Forest Plan for a Sustainable Economy and a Sustainable Environment, based on the analytical work of three working groups established at the Forest Conference. This Administration believes that the Forest Plan is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest. This plan also includes a new economic assistance program that helps local workers, businesses and communities in strengthening the region's economy by creating family-wage jobs, offering new economic opportunities, and ensuring the region's long-term economic health. I certainly appreciate learning your views about this very important matter. We continue to seek a Forest Plan that is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest, and we are currently soliciting advice and comments on possible improvements to the proposed plan. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely, Kathen a. Kathleen A. McGinty Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl 251 Purple Finch Lane Brevard, NC 28712 October 7, 1993 Ms. Katie McGinty Director, Office of Env. Policy Room #360; the OEOB Washington, DC 20501 Dear Ms. McGinty: Please find enclosed a copy of my letter to the Interagency SEIS Team in Oregon. I hope you will do all you can to prevent the loss of our ir- replacable Ancient Forests. Thank you for your consideration of these remarks. Sincerely J. J. speed Speed Rogers Rogan THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 27, 1993 Ms. Debbie Rumsey Ms. Lynn Rumsey 726 Beach Street Flint, MI 48502 Dear Friends: Thank you for your recent letter regarding President Clinton's Forest Management Plan. It was good to hear from you. The President, the Vice President and I are committed to the preservation of the environment in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. We believe that the Forest Conference was a significant step toward the resolution of the problems facing the Pacific Northwest. As you know, President Clinton recently announced his Forest Plan for a Sustainable Economy and a Sustainable Environment, based on the analytical work of three working groups established at the Forest Conference. This Administration believes that the Forest Plan is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest. This plan also includes a new economic assistance program that helps local workers, businesses and communities in strengthening the region's economy by creating family-wage jobs, offering new economic opportunities, and ensuring the region's long-term economic health. I certainly appreciate learning your views about this very important matter. We continue to seek a Forest Plan that is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest, and we are currently soliciting advice and comments on possible improvements to the proposed plan. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely, Kathleen A. McGinty Misas Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl 726 Beach St. Flint, MI 48502 September 24, 1993 Ms. Kathleen McGinty Office of Environmental Policy Old Executive Office Bldg., Rm. 358 Washington, DC 20501 Dear Ms. McGinty: The endangered Siskiyou Forest in Southwestern Oregon desperately needs your help. This is the largest, most intact Ancient Forest ecosystem on the West Coast, with almost 300,000 acres of unpro- tected roadless wildlands. It is a global treasure, a genetic Noah's Ark containing the most diverse coniferous forest in the world. Scientists have recognized this region as one of the biologically most valuable areas in all of North America. Please do not allow these irreplaceable wild areas--so important as habitat for owls, salmon and scores of rare plants--to be sacrificed for a few more years of jobs and profits for the timber industry. Please permanently withdraw all Siskiyou National Forest Roadless Areas from logging and development. And, please create an Ancient Forest Reserve System, enforce our environmental laws, and provide transitional assistance and forest restoration projects for displaced timber workers. Sincerely, Debbie X Lyne Runsey Debbie & Lynn Rumsey THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 27, 1993 Mr. Leon P. Robert 4110 N.E. 105th Seattle, WA 98125 Dear Mr. Robert: Thank you for your recent letter regarding President Clinton's Forest Management Plan. It was good to hear from you. The President, the Vice President and I are committed to the preservation of the environment in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. We believe that the Forest Conference was a significant step toward the resolution of the problems facing the Pacific Northwest. As you know, President Clinton recently announced his Forest Plan for a Sustainable Economy and a Sustainable Environment, based on the analytical work of three working groups established at the Forest Conference. This Administration believes that the Forest Plan is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest. This plan also includes a new economic assistance program that helps local workers, businesses and communities in strengthening the region's economy by creating family-wage jobs, offering new economic opportunities, and ensuring the region's long-term economic health. I certainly appreciate learning your views about this very important matter. We continue to seek a Forest Plan that is scientifically-sound and legally responsible and will provide a sustainable harvest, and we are currently soliciting advice and comments on possible improvements to the proposed plan. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely, Jahlen Kathleen A. McGinty Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl SAVE OUR ISKIYOU od 4, 1993 ) seattle Dear Ms. Mc Cinty, The endangered Siskiyou Forest in southwestem Oregon desper- ately needs your help. This is the largest, most innact Ancient Forcst ecosystem on the West Coast, with almost 300,000 acres of unprotected roadless wildlands. It is a global treasure, a genetic Noah's Ark contain- ing the most diverse coniferous forest in the world. Scientists have recognized this region as one of the biologically most valuable areas in all of North America. Please do not allow these irreplaceable wild areas - so important as habitat for owls, salmon and scores of rare plants - to be sacrificed for a few more years of jobs and profits for the timber industry. Please permanently withdraw all Siskiyou National Forest Roadless Areas from logging and development. Please support Forest Plan Option 1, which would create a true Ancient Forest Reserve System, protected from all logging. Also, please make no exceptions to existing environmental laws, and stop all raw log exports. Sincerely, terry Name his Address NE are City, State, Zip seattle W.N. 78125 Stumps Don't lie ! THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 21, 1993 The Honorable Jack Reed U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Reed: The President has asked that I respond to your letter of August 5 regarding your concerns about federal wetlands policy and H.R. 350, the Wetlands Reform Act. I apologize for the delay in my response. President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to the preservation of our natural resources in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. This Administration shares your concerns about the uncertainties surrounding wetlands policies of the past. As you know, an Interagency Working Group on Federal Wetlands Policy was convened on June 4 to review and seek to clarify the issues surrounding federal wetlands policy in anticipation of the reauthorization of the Clean Water Act. It included representatives of all federal agencies involved in, or impacted by, the protection of wetlands. In addition, the working group solicited a broad range of views, including those of the Congress; state and local government; environmentalists; developers and homebuilders; agricultural interests; and others. The Administration policy that was announced in August is very consistent with the policies proposed in your letter. I look forward to working with you to ensure the effective implementation of an ecologically sound wetlands policy during the reauthorization of the Clean Water Act. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely, Jothlen Kathleen A. McGinty Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl 032356 Congress of the United States house of Representatives Mashington, 93 AHC 205155 00 August 5, 1993 The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We understand that you are currently in the process of formulating an official position on federal wetlands policy. We would like to urge you to adopt a position that is closely in line with H.R. 350, the Wetlands Reform Act, currently cosponsored by 80 members of Congress. We know you are aware of the importance of preserving our wetlands, and commend you for your support of a "no net loss" of wetlands policy. Because Congress is moving closer to acting legislatively on this issue, we feel that your involvement now could have a critical impact on the outcome of this debate and help end the polarization that has developed over this issue. At a minimum, wetlands policy should accomplish the following: it should stem the loss of 300,000 acres of wetlands annually; it should streamline the permit process; it should improve wetlands regulations so that they are uniformly applied; and it should establish a more incentive-based approach to preserving privately-held wetlands. We believe that H.R. 350 offers reasonable and workable solutions that would achieve these reforms within the framework that currently exists. To strengthen protections for wetlands, H.R. 350 would amend the Clean Water Act to include explicitly a provision covering the protection of wetlands and expand the number of activities covered under the Act to all that are harmful to wetlands. The careful tracking of the impact of the permit program and mitigation efforts on wetlands would also be required. Finally, it would direct more personnel and resources to agencies that oversee wetlands policy. To streamline the permit process and make it more workable to private landowners, H.R. 350 would establish a fast track to process minor permits within a period of 60 days. Other helpful provisions would direct the Corps to assist small landowners with wetlands delineations, accelerate the completion of the National Wetlands inventory maps by the Fish and Wildlife Service, and clarify exemptions for normal and ongoing farming practices. Many of the complaints that the system is unworkable arise from the uneven application of wetlands regulations. We believe this can be remedied through better training of wetlands delineators, and through better coordination of delineation methods. We also would like to stress the importance of scrutinizing proposals that would seriously erode our wetlands base. We are particularly opposed to calls for a national wetlands classification system. Such a task would be an inefficient use of scarce resources, and according to the Fish and Wildlife Service, it would cost $18 billion to implement. In addition, ratings would have to be based on very subjective criteria. We also urge you to resist pressure to broaden the application of the Fifth Amendment takings clause to the limitation of property rights that results from wetlands regulations. Restrictions on the use of wetlands property often serve to protect the health and safety of other nearby properties. To be able to evaluate carefully the unique facts of each case, questions on takings must be left to the courts to be considered on a case by case basis. The best chance for expanding our wetlands base lies in wetlands restoration efforts. However, it is shortsighted to look to mitigation banking as a solution that would allow wetlands to be destroyed for development projects by creating or contributing to a mitigation bank elsewhere. Studies have shown that efforts to restore or create wetlands have had mixed results, and replacement wetlands are often unsatisfactory because they rarely perform as many or even the same functions as the natural wetlands they replace. Because 74 percent of the nation's remaining wetlands are privately owned, we must look more toward incentive-based approaches to protecting wetlands. We urge support for the Wetlands Reserve Program, as well as tax incentives that encourage the donation of land to qualified conservation organizations or that promote limiting activities on wetlands to compatible uses. The need to preserve our wetlands has been made especially clear by the tragic floods now occuring in the Mississippi Valley. Contributing to the severity of the flooding is the fact that 75% - 90% of the wetlands in the region have been lost. In order to resolve the debate over wetlands quickly and fairly, we urge you to adopt the approach outlined in H.R. 350, so that both the economic and environmental benefits of wetlands can be preserved. Sincerely, Don Edwards Don Edwards, M.C. Norman Y. Mineta, M.C. Edward Edward J. Markey, J. Markey M. RoaddV.Dell Ronald V. Dellums, M.C. Gase Millar Howard L. Berman, M.C. George Miller, M.C. Lane Evans James L. Cherstar Lane Evans, M.C. James L. Oberstar, M+C. Major R. Owens, M.C. Georget George E Brown, Jr., Broup. M.C. Bauree Brace F Vento, Phato M.C. Anthony C. Beilenson, Beilenser M.C. Gary & asken Gary L. Ackerman, M.C. John Conyers, Jr., Rabbe Shap Marty Martin Meehan, Mah M.C. Christopher Shays, M.C. John Jour W. Olver, W M.C. Olver Mania Rindrey Maurice D. Hinchey, M.C. Thomas Tom H. Andrews, ndreas M.C. Jack Jack Reed, Reed M.C. Canh Carolyn B. B. Maloney, Malay M. Sana Anna G. Eshoo, Eshoo M.C. Pete Stark Namey Pelosi Pete Stark, M.C. Nancy Pelosi, M.C. Arthur Ravenel, M.C. Jeop George J. Hochbrueckner, M.C. Ben Cardin Be Sad Benjamin L. Cardin, M.C. Bernard Sanders, M.C. Harry Johnston, Joad M.C. Tom Thomas M. Barrett Barrett, M.C. Wayne T.Gilchrest Lynn Scheak Wayne T. Gilchrest, M.C. Lynn Schenk, M.C. Jerrold Nadler, M.C. Ronald D. Coleman, M.C. Beo Filmer Couns Bob dolphus Filner, Towns, M.C. M.C. Andrew Dan Hamburg Jacobs, M.C. Jr., M.C. Lym Lynn C. Woolsey Woolsey, M.C. JPCWx Julian C. Dixon, M.C. Karen Supher D Karen Shepherd, M.C. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 21, 1993 The Honorable Arthur Ravenel U.S. House of Representatives Washington, D.C. 20515 Dear Congressman Ravenel: The President has asked that I respond to your letter of August 5 regarding your concerns about federal wetlands policy and H.R. 350, the Wetlands Reform Act. I apologize for the delay in my response. President Clinton and Vice President Gore are committed to the preservation of our natural resources in a way that leads to strong and sustainable economic growth. This Administration shares your concerns about the uncertainties surrounding wetlands policies of the past. As you know, an Interagency Working Group on Federal Wetlands Policy was convened on June 4 to review and seek to clarify the issues surrounding federal wetlands policy in anticipation of the reauthorization of the Clean Water Act. It included representatives of all federal agencies involved in, or impacted by, the protection of wetlands. In addition, the working group solicited a broad range of views, including those of the Congress; state and local government; environmentalists; developers and homebuilders; agricultural interests; and others. The Administration policy that was announced in August is very consistent with the policies proposed in your letter. I look forward to working with you to ensure the effective implementation of an ecologically sound wetlands policy during the reauthorization of the Clean Water Act. Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. Sincerely Kathleen A. McGinty Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl 032356 Congress of the United States Douse of Representatives Mashington, 93 AHE 205155 : 00 August 5, 1993 The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: We understand that you are currently in the process of formulating an official position on federal wetlands policy. We would like to urge you to adopt a position that is closely in line with H.R. 350, the Wetlands Reform Act, currently cosponsored by 80 members of Congress. We know you are aware of the importance of preserving our wetlands, and commend you for your support of a "no net loss" of wetlands policy. Because Congress is moving closer to acting legislatively on this issue, we feel that your involvement now could have a critical impact on the outcome of this debate and help end the polarization that has developed over this issue. At a minimum, wetlands policy should accomplish the following: it should stem the loss of 300,000 acres of wetlands annually; it should streamline the permit process; it should improve wetlands regulations so that they are uniformly applied; and it should establish a more incentive-based approach to preserving privately-held wetlands. We believe that H.R. 350 offers reasonable and workable solutions that would achieve these reforms within the framework that currently exists. To strengthen protections for wetlands, H.R. 350 would amend the Clean Water Act to include explicitly a provision covering the protection of wetlands and expand the number of activities covered under the Act to all that are harmful to wetlands. The careful tracking of the impact of the permit program and mitigation efforts on wetlands would also be required. Finally, it would direct more personnel and resources to agencies that oversee wetlands policy. To streamline the permit process and make it more workable to private landowners, H.R. 350 would establish a fast track to process minor permits within a period of 60 days. Other helpful provisions would direct the Corps to assist small landowners with wetlands delineations, accelerate the completion of the National Wetlands inventory maps by the Fish and Wildlife Service, and clarify exemptions for normal and ongoing farming practices. Many of the complaints that the system is unworkable arise from the uneven application of wetlands regulations. We believe this can be remedied through better training of wetlands delineators, and through better coordination of delineation methods. We also would like to stress the importance of scrutinizing proposals that would seriously erode our wetlands base. We are particularly opposed to calls for a national wetlands classification system. Such a task would be an inefficient use of scarce resources, and according to the Fish and Wildlife Service, it would cost $18 billion to implement. In addition, ratings would have to be based on very subjective criteria. We also urge you to resist pressure to broaden the application of the Fifth Amendment takings clause to the limitation of property rights that results from wetlands regulations. Restrictions on the use of wetlands property often serve to protect the health and safety of other nearby properties. To be able to evaluate carefully the unique facts of each case, questions on takings must be left to the courts to be considered on a case by case basis. The best chance for expanding our wetlands base lies in wetlands restoration efforts. However, it is shortsighted to look to mitigation banking as a solution that would allow wetlands to be destroyed for development projects by creating or contributing to a mitigation bank elsewhere. Studies have shown that efforts to restore or create wetlands have had mixed results, and replacement wetlands are often unsatisfactory because they rarely perform as many or even the same functions as the natural wetlands they replace. Because 74 percent of the nation's remaining wetlands are privately owned, we must look more toward incentive-based approaches to protecting wetlands. We urge support for the Wetlands Reserve Program, as well as tax incentives that encourage the donation of land to qualified conservation organizations or that promote limiting activities on wetlands to compatible uses. The need to preserve our wetlands has been made especially clear by the tragic floods now occuring in the Mississippi Valley. Contributing to the severity of the flooding is the fact that 75% - 90% of the wetlands in the region have been lost. In order to resolve the debate over wetlands quickly and fairly, we urge you to adopt the approach outlined in H.R. 350, so that both the economic and environmental benefits of wetlands can be preserved. Sincerely, Don Edwards Don Edwards, M.C. Norman Y. Mineta, M.C. Edward Edward J. Markey, J. Markey RoaddV.Dell Ronald V. Dellums, M.C. M. Gase Millar Howard L. Berman, M.C. George Miller, M.C. Lane Evans James L. Cherstar Lane Evans, M.C. James L. Oberstar, M.C. Major Owens, M.C. Georgel. George E Brown, Jr., Broup. M.C. Bauree Brace F Vento, M.C. Anthony C. Beilenson, Beilenser M.C. Gary & adam Gary L. Ackerman, M.C. John Conyers, Jr., Shap Marty Martin Meehan, Mah M.C. Christopher Shays, M.C. John John W. Olver, W M.C. Uner Manine Rindrey Maurice D. Hinchey, M.C. Thomas lom H. Andrews, ndreas M.C. Jack Jack Reed, Reed M.C. Canh Carolyn B. B. Maloney, Malay M. Sana Eshoo Ama G. Eshoo, M.C. Pete Stark Namey Pelosi Pete Stark, M.C. Nancy Pelosi, M.C. Cullean Arthur Ravenel, M.C. Jhoy George J. Hochbrueckner, M.C. Ben Cardin Be Sad Benjamin L. Cardin, M.C. Bernard Sanders, M.C. Harry Johnston, John M.C. Tom Thomas M. Barrett Barrett, M.C. Wayne T. Gilchrest Lynn Scheak Wayne T. Gilchrest, M.C. Lynn Schenk, M.C. Jerrold Nadler, M.C. Ronald D. Coleman, M.C. Beo Filmer Eouns Bob dolphus Filner, Towns, M.C. M.C. Andrew Dan Hamburg, Jacobs, M.C. Jr., M.C. Lym Lynn C. Woolsey Woolsey, JPCWx Julian C. Dixon, M.C. Karen Shepher D Karen Shepherd, M.C. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 21, 1993 His Excellency Donald Russell Ambassador Embassy of Australia 1601 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036 Your Excellency: I sincerely apologize for the confusion surrounding the President's recent announcement of the Climate Change Action Plan. I can understand your frustration with this situation. Rest assured that my office did everything possible to ensure that you were able to attend the announcement. Apparently there was a computer malfunction which caused the loss of information of several of our guests. I have discussed this matter with my staff and other White House staff, and we all extend our apologies for the confusion. I have passed along your interest in this announcement to the President and the Vice President, who both send their regards. Again, I appreciate your understanding in this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. Sincerely, McGinty Director, White House Office on Environmental Policy KAM/avl