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Administration and Its Critics
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158698216
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Administration and Its Critics
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collections
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FOIA Number: 2017-1094-F
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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:
WH Task Force on Climate Change
Series/Staff Member:
Roger Ballentine; Paul Bledsoe; Julie Anderson
Subseries:
OA/ID Number:
41300
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Folder Title:
Administration and Its Critics
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100
3
10
1
The Washington Times
7/23/98
al
yesterday at a weekly luncheon
Mediocre a
here hosted by conservative ac-
tivist Paul Weyrich.
Inside Politics
Rep. Thomas Man
in the
Mr. Bayley. the former pros-
ing to announce his
ecutor for King County, described
until it was too late f
thess
himself as "a Ronald Reagan Re-
New York Democrat
of
publican" and said if he defeats
job, apparently has
fice
Democratic Sen. Patty Murray, he
hand-picking his suc
would be one more vote to over-
The New York Tin
I
ride President Clinton's veto of a
out yesterday with u.
:e
ban on partial-birth abortions.
for Mr. Manton and
and
However, one conservative ac-
successor, chosen by
: Re-
tivist objected that in a TV inter-
ers like Mr. Manton.
view Mr. Bayley had outlined a
"Mr. Manton, who
said.
"Ted Kennedy" position on abor-
the Queens Democr:
GOP
tion in general. saying he was
man, has been a me
personally opposed to it but
gressman at best, de
would not impose his beliefs on
or his time to district
others.
Compiled by Greg Pierce
newspaper said in a:
Then. to the discomfiture of the
"His chosen succe
pe
candidate. the tape of the inter-
"At the heart of CBO's "potency"
year.
bly member Joseph
view was played SO the activists
is our reputation for providing
The 91-year-old perennial pres-
had an equally undi-
the
could judge for themselves.
objective, nonpartisan analysis.
idential candidate was denied a
career. notable main
Vash-
The Journal's editorial is one long
shot Tuesday because he didn't
loyalty. The district
He
Return fire
harangue for rosy scenarios' and
have a running mate, said Joe
with elected officials
politicization of the agency."
Mansky, secretary of the state's
younger than Mr. M:
This column on Tuesday quoted
elections division.
would like to have h:
from a Wall Street Journal edito-
Mr. Stassen. who said in May
They call it summer
the post. most of the
rial that criticized the perform-
that he would seek another term
and more energetic
ance of the Congressional Budget
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison.
as governor. was 31 when he
Crowley"
Office and urged a shakeup there
Texas Republican, accused Vice
made U.S. history by being
The newspaper as
after Director June O'Neill de-
President Al Gore yesterday of
elected in 1938. By contrast.
member of Congress
parts.
politicizing the weather
President Clinton was 32 when he
will quickly be forge
Yesterday, a spokesman for the
Mr. Gore, quoted in yesterday's
was elected Arkansas governor in
back home. he shoul
CBO phoned to say the director
Christian Science Monitor. had
1978.
bered as an emblem
had responded in a letter to the
this to say about the brutal heat
In recent years, he has been
ness that permeates
Journal that was expected to be
wave in the southern Plains and
known for political futility.
polities - an attitud
published today or tomorrow.
the Southwest: "How much more
Mr. Stassen sought the Repub-
tions are unnecessal
Here it is:
proof do we need that global
hean nomination for the White
get in the way of the
"If the the editorial page staff
warming is real?" The vice pres-
House 11) times, first in 1948 and
ness of dispensing F
of the Wall Street Jeurnal aspire
ident went on to criticize Con-
most recently in 1992. when he
to become writers of fiction. Mon-
gress for ignoring the issue.
won one Minnesota delegate.
Plaintive re
day's great adventure in fantasy
Mrs. Hutchison. appearing on
His most recent shot at high of-
Beltway Potency, editorial page.
C-SPAN's "Morning Journal."
fice came in 1996. when he of-
Phil Maloof, the
July 20) suggests a successful fu-
said: "I think we really don't want
fered to be Bob Dole's running
Democrat who rece:
ture awaits them. For the record.
to politicize this heat wave by try-
mate. Mr. Stassen said he wanted
special election to fi
1 have not 'let it be known' I will
ing to indicate that there is a
to show that Dole, then 72, was
House seat from Ne:
not continue after my term ex-
cause that is not proven at all."
"young enough to be a successful
will be on the ballot
3
P res. I will make that decision at
The senator added: "Actually,
president."
vember. And he app
a:: appropriate time. Further,
the science does not in any way
He was philosophical yesterday
been working on his
rit
CBO analyses are dynamic - not
indicate that we are in global
about his latest rebuff. the Asso-
"I'm not taking ar
static - in that we take into ac-
warming because of anything that
clated Press reports.
special-interest mon
count the anticipated changes in
is in the environment. Actually,
"It's OK," Mr. Stassen said.
financed candidate t
behavior that attend significant
we're in a cooling period."
"Half my thoughts were not to
day political column
shifts in policy. And if our results
enter. but then of course, I had
Shapiro. "I'm speak:
would 'put a private forecaster
Stassen loses again
the old urge to participate."
Malood not Philip M
out of a job,' as the Journal con-
The columnist sai
Harold Stassen, who became
Asked if his days as a candi-
tends, there must be a lot of un-
then added plaintive
date were over, he said, "I
employed private-sector forecast-
the youngest governor ever
put that in your artic
ers out there because most of
elected in the United States 60
wouldn't say that."
Greg Pierce can be
them missed the revenue surge of
years ago, has lost a bid at run-
Then he added, "I'll approach
202/636-3285 or by
the last couple of years as we did.
ning for the Minnesota post this
the future when it comes along."
([email protected]
Kasich pushes for $167 billion tax C
Conversely, Sen.
By John Godfrey
THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Social Security would get $338 billion
Minnesota Republi
$167 billion is "not
House Budget Committee
rity funds for every liberal pro-
lican, said Mr. Kasich's plan is
a "step in the right
Chairman John Kasich pitched a
gram you have ever dreamed of,"
"getting closer" to the amount
Commenting g
plan to House GOP leaders yester-
said House Republican Confer-
needed to secure the long-term
House Republican
day to use looming budget sur-
ence Chairman John A. Boehner of
pluses to cut taxes by $167 billion
solvency of Social Security. He and
Senate Minority Lt
Ohio.
over
five
other Senate Republican leaders
Daschle. South Dak
Los Angeles Times
Circ: 1,104,651
JUL 22 1998
Global Warming Is a Hot Topic at the
White House
Weather: Clinton, Gore use interest created by heat
wave to focus attention on dangers of a changing climate.
Scientists debate theory from sidelines.
By JAMES GERSTENZANG
A-6
temperature for the month,
be
TIMES STAFF WRITER
according to records kept since
1880 by the National Oceanic and
Reflecting scientists' uncertainty
W
ASHINGTON-With a
Atmospheric Administration.
about when the occasionally
unusual crosses the line to become
wide swath of the nation
But critics of the global warming
a demonstrable trend. as well as his
caught in the enervating
theory say measurements taken
grip of a deadly summer heat wave,
anywhere from 5,000 to 30,000 feet
conviction that "the atmosphere is
President Clinton and Vice Presi-
above the Earth-which, some say,
a pretty chaotic, hard-to-
dent Al Gore have seized on the
show little recent change or per-
understand system,"
attention it has generated to warn
haps even a cooling trend-are
Randall Ceverny, a climatologist
of the dangers of global warming.
more meaningful.
at Arizona State University, said:
"As you can see from this swel-
"If we were to see many. many
In addition to the temperature
tering heat, the climate of our
more heat waves each and every
increase at the Earth's surface,
country and our globe is changing,"
year. that would be a trend associ-
drought in Florida contributed to
Clinton said Monday during an
ated with global warming."
the devastating fires there over the
appearance in sweltering New
last several weeks. and torrential
Gore and, increasingly, Clinton.
Orleans.
downpours produced unusually
have been among the more vocal
But the science of global warm-
fierce flood torrents in the north-
political adherents of the global
ing, the term attached to the notion
eastern United States.
warming theory-reflecting the
that the Earth's temperature is
It is unclear whether these
widespread agreement, but cer-
increasing because of the green-
house effect. is much more compli-
events are related to global
tainly not unanimity, among scien-
warming.
tists and others who have studied
cated than that, as scientists,
data that the Earth's climate has
including government experts,
been growing measurably warmer.
have taken pains to emphasize.
W
armer temperatures may
It is unlikely that any one event
have pushed back the start
most notably in the last decade.
of the summer rainy season in
Both Clinton and Gore have
can be attributed to global warm-
ing, they say, even though a trend
Florida, scientists say. and thus
focused their attention on the
to which it contributes-in this
induced greater evaporation from
weather pattern as Congress has
case record-setting high tempera-
the surface of the ocean. lifting
debated an appropriations provi-
more moisture into the atmosphere,
sion that the administration says
tures around the globe month after
month-is said to prove that the
carrying it elsewhere and then
would restrict its ability to take
dropping it in sudden, intense
steps intended to counter global
world's climate is getting warmer.
storms.
warming and even to study the
"Global warming is a relatively
"When you put the whole picture
phenomenon.
small change from year to year, but
together, one should conclude that
it is always pushing in one direc-
"This strange pattern of weather
tion," said Kevin Trenberth, one of
global warming is playing a role,"
is in keeping with the consequences
said Trenberth, head of the climate
the government's leading
that were predicted as a result of
researchers studying climate
analysis section of the National
global warming." Gore said.
change around the world. "A lot of
Center for Atmospheric Research
what we're seeing at the moment is
in Boulder, Colo. "A few degrees on
the kind of extremes we expect
top of what would already be a heat
from global warming."
wave pushes the edge a bit more. It
Several recent climate trends
goes over a threshold, and things
have fueled the debate over global
are no longer tolerable."
warming.
On the other hand, he added:
For each of the first six months of
"Most of what is going on is sum-
1998, the mean global temperature
mertime. It's supposed to be hot.
was warmer than it was during the
Maybe it's bit hotter than it would
corresponding month in 1997. The
monthly trend was topped off in
June, when global surface temper-
atures were, on average, 1 degree
warmer than the long-term mean
AUG-04-98 TUE 08:16
AUG 03, 1998 ID: FDC REPORTS
TEL NO: 301-664-7255
#66837
PAGE:
2/3
Aug-03-98 01:04P The NDA Pipeline
301-664-7259
P.01
Electricity Daily
VOLUME 11. NUMBER 24
A PUBLICATION OF THE ELECTRICITY JOURNAL
TUES., AUG. 4. 1998
is that permits will cost about $170
Clinton Climate Plan Would Kill Coal
per ton. "In such circumstances,"
says the report, "GDP losses at least
10 times the costs derived by the
administration could occur, with
The latest White House estimate
permit price and achievement of
similarly greater impacts on fami-
the costs of complying with
these assumed changes."
lies, jobs, and businesses - increas-
the Kyoto global warming
Among other problems with the
ing the average household's energy
treaty assumes the replacement of
Yellen estimate is that it assumes
bill by about $850 per year and
every coal-fired power plant in the
worldwide trading of CO2 among all
gasoline prices by almost $.50 per
U.S. with gas generation by 2008,
countries. at $14-23 per ton, says
according to an analysis of the
CRA. Under this scenario, the U.S.
gallon. Such impacts are consistent
with the findings of others who have
estimate by Charles River
would be purchasing over 80
Associates. White House economic
percent of Its permits from abroad,
analyzed the likely impact of com-
advisor Janet Yellen last week
rather than making reductions in
plying with the Kyoto protocol."
issued an update of an earlier paper
emissions here. This level of trading
on the costs of Kyoto compliance,
drew fire from environmentalists,
Entergy to Spin Off
concluding that reducing
who prefer that U.S. industry reduce
greenhouse gos omissions to the
emissions directly.
Assets, Cut Dividend
levels required by Kyoto protocol
The GCC, sounding a bit green
would cost a mere $7 billion to $12
itself, noted that the U.S. would
S
eeking to boost its stagnant stock
billion per year in 2008-2010.
"spend billions of dollars to purchase
price, Entergy Corp. yesterday
The Global Climate Coalition,
emissions credits - mainly in Pussia -
announced it would sell off its inter-
an industry-backed group that op-
to offset our own inability to meet the
national electric distribution busi-
poses U.S. retification of the treaty,
goals set by the protocol. That is.
nesses London Electricity in the
commissioned the CRA review of
instead of actually cutting back on
U.K. and CitiPower in Australia;
Yellen's work. CRA said, "The ad-
our own greenhouse emissions,
Entergy Security Inc., its security
ministration has assumed extremely
mainly carbon dioxide, we will be
company with 200,000 customers in
ranid replacement of coal-fired
forced to make 0 massive transfer of
the Southeast; portions of its tele.
power plants by new natural gas
wealth to other countries that THE
communications interests; and
plants by 2008. This is a very opti-
actually producing less greenhouse
Entergy integrated Solutions, its
mistic assumption about how
gases than they were in 1990."
energy management company. New
rapidly large change in natural gas
CRA's estimate, using "perhaps
Orieans-based Entergy also said "
infrastructure and power generation
more realistic assumptions about
will cut the company's quarterly
can be achieved, and there is some
technology, fuel substitution, and
dividend to 30 cents per share from
inconsistency botween a very low
the scope of international trading,"
45 cents, effective Sept. 1. The com-
pany hopes to raise $4 billion through
the asset sales and trimmed dividend.
White House IDs Areas of Electric Interest
"We need to get back to basics
with our core domestic utility busi-
The electric industry held a summit
and the electric Industry can work
ness," said Robert Luft. Entergy
meeting with the Clinton administra.
together productively. Novak told
chairman and acting CEO. acknowl-
tion's global warming team last weak In
reporters yesterday that those irdes
edging that customer service quality
Washington, including Vice President
include:
has suffered at the utility. The trim-
AI Gore. Among the folks at the meet-
Regulatory flexibility and regulatory
ing from the industry side were several
incentives. That includes issues such as
med-down company will focus on
invastor-owned utility CEOs. including
hydro and nuclear relicensing.
four areas, Luft told reporters yester-
Richard Abdoe of Wisconsin Energy,
What to do TO encourage nuclear
Juy, including international power
Wayna Brunetti of New Century
power and hydroelectric. two areas
generation in merchant plants,
Energies, Lawrence Codey of Public
where administration action coulr. bring
nuclear operations through Entergy
Service Electric & Gas, and E. Linn
aore into collision with his environmen-
Nuclear, Inc., and power trading
Draper of American Electric Power,
talist friends.
and marketing. "We've over-extend-
According to John Novek of the
Credit for early action taken JV the
ed our resources in the past," he said,
Edison Electric Instituto, the White
electric industry to voluntarily reduce
"and were not doing justice to some
House identified three areas where it
CO2 emissions.
of our businesses. With the new,
G 199A. Flavior Science Inc. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproducion prohibaed by how
The Washington Times
Circ: 90 126
AUG 11 1998
Gore's remarks heat up
global warming debate
By James W. Brosnan
A4
be hot in August and that global warming is
SCRIPPS HOWARD NEWS SERVICE
some new phenomenon."
Another GOP contender, magazine pub-
Looks like even presidential candidates
lisher Steve Forbes, said, "The earth is 4
will be talking about the weather.
billion years old. Thirty-one days does not
Vice President Al Gore took the time yes-
a major climatic change make. We need
terday to announce that July was the hottest
sober scientific evidence, not superficial,
month since reliable recording began in
superheated musings."
1880 - further evidence, he said, of global
Sen. John Ashcroft, Missouri Republi-
warming.
can, who also is considering a presidential
Republican officials said it was evidence
run, said the global warming treaty that Mr.
that Mr. Gore, the favorite for the Demo-
Gore helped negotiate in Kyoto, Japan, last
cratic presidential nomination in 2000, is an
year would "sacrifice the living standard of
environmental extremist.
all Americans."
According to the National Oceanic and
The Republican Party Web site includes
Atmospheric Administration's National Cli-
a map that claims to show the estimated job
matic Data Center, July temperatures aver-
loss in each state if the treaty is ratified. In
aged 61.7 degrees Fahrenheit, 1.26 degrees
Florida, where Mr. Gore has blamed this
higher than average, and 0.45 degrees
summer's forest fires on global climate
higher than the previous record set last
change, the map says the treaty would cost
year. Every previous month in 1998 set a
56,600 jobs. In Texas, where temperatures
record, too.
in Dallas stayed above 100 degrees 29 days
"When you look at these figures, it's easy
in a row, the study claims the treaty would
to see the long-term trend, and it's easy to
cost 123,000 jobs.
see how unprecedented this January
"He is making a choice between the ex-
through July really is," Mr. Gore said. "And
treme environmental fringe of his party
when we warm up the planet, the result is
and American workers. And he's making
more extreme weather, more floods, more
the wrong choice," GOP spokesman Mike
drought, stronger storms.
Collins said of Mr. Gore.
"How much more evidence do we need
But the vice president argued yesterday
that global warming is real and it's here?"
that "we can meet the challenges of global
he asked.
warming without economic cooling."
Republicans said it was certainly evi-
In the Washington area, the average daily
dence of a trend, but not necessarily one
high temperature recorded at the Ronald
proven to be caused by carbon monoxide
Reagan Washington National Airport in
emissions from burning coal in utility
July was 1.1 degrees cooler than average,
plants, gasoline in cars and other fuels, as
according to the National Weather Service.
Mr. Gore contends.
The normal average temperature is 80
"Of course there is global warming," said
degrees, based on daily highs for the past
Lamar Alexander, a contender for the 2000
30 years. The average high temperature in
Republican presidential nomination. "Ev-
July 1998 was 78.9 degrees.
eryone's grandmother can tell you that win-
During a late July heat wave, though, the
ters were colder 70 or 80 years ago. It's part
mercury rose to 96 degrees on July 21. The
of a process that's gone on for thousands of
stifling heat lasted about a week before sub-
years.
siding.
"The question is whether the industri-
The hottest July in Washington since rec-
alization of the Earth is accelerating that
ords have been kept in 1871 was 1993, when
process and what to do about it. That's a
the average high temperature for the month
serious issue. He's running around like
was 83.1 degrees.
Chicken Little warning us that it's going to
Leslie Koren contributed to this report.
1
White House, Hill Democrats to Stop Anti-Environmental Rhdrs/www.washingtonpost.com/wp-s. 1998-09 30/0631-093098-idx.html
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White House, Hill Democrats Vow to Stop
'Anti-Environmental' Riders
VEDNESDA
SALE
By Joby Warrick
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, September 30, 1998; Page A05
9/30/98
Related Items
The White House joined congressional Democrats yesterday in
Print Edition
vowing to block Republican spending bills that contain
Today's National
"anti-environmental" amendments even if it means risking a
Articles
government shutdown.
Inside "A" Section
Front Page Articles
In a new signal of the Clinton administration's willingness to stand
firm on the issue, Vice President Gore called on congressional leaders
On Our Site
to end "backdoor assaults" on the environment and "send the
Top News/Breaking
News
president clean bills."
Politics Section
National Section
"We are once again putting Congress on notice: We will not tolerate
stealth attacks that do unacceptable harm to our environment or
threaten public health," Gore said in a statement.
Congress
Sold Out
In a coordinated response, congressional Democrats promised to
to
supply the votes needed to block any attempt to override a veto. More
Big
than 140 Democrats signed a letter to President Clinton urging him to
Tobacco.
strike down appropriations bills that have what they consider
anti-environmental measures attached.
Congress
Sold Out
"They are a poison pill," Sen. Max Baucus (Mont.), ranking Democrat
to
on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, warned in
Big
floor speech yesterday. "We'll be back to where we were three years
Tobacco.
ago, facing a veto, gridlock and a political showdown."
At issue are as many as 50 "riders" or amendments attached to
appropriations bills that fund government agencies. Often buried
within the dense language of "must-pass" spending bills, riders are
Gogh
favored by some lawmakers as a way of affecting policy while
bypassing the normal legislative process.
Included in the current crop are measures that would allow
road-building or other encroachments on federal wilderness areas,
delay implementation of federal air pollution standards and ban
government actions to reduce emissions blamed for global warming.
Although most are narrow in focus, the riders collectively would
represent a significant step backward for the environment, opponents
said. "Make no mistake," said Rep. Elizabeth Furse (D-Ore.), "if these
riders are passed this will have been the most anti-environmental
Congress ever."
But Republicans say critics of the riders are being hypocritical,
I of 2
9/30/98 8:26 AM
denouncing
some riders while remaining silent on scores of others. Many environmental
protections, including bans on offshore drilling, were achieved through riders,
they note.
In addition, policies that are considered "anti-environmental" to some may be
life-savers to others, helping them keep their jobs and earn a living for their
families. "It all depends on whose OX is getting gored," said a GOP staff aide
for the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Controversy over the riders has already snarled progress on several of the
dozen spending bills still before Congress. With just over two weeks
remaining before Congress's scheduled adjournment, Republican leaders
were considering combining the measures into a single omnibus bill -- a
move Baucus predicted would "only compound the mayhem."
©
Copyright 1998 The Washington Post Company
The New York Times
APR 22 1998
Circ: 1,187,950
Gore Asks Chemical Industry
To Test for Any Toxic Effects
By JOHN H. CUSHMAN Jr.
can leadership in Congress, which he
WASHINGTON, April 21 - The
said was "up to its anti-environmen-
Clinton Administration today asked
tal games, tempted, as they are, to do
chemical companies to test thou-
what the large polluters are asking
sands of common chemicals and dis-
them to do."
close their toxicity, threatening to
"They are helping the polluters
require the tests if the companies do
and hurting children and families,"
not comply voluntarily.
he said to a group made up largely of
Vice President Al Gore proposed
children from neighborhood schools.
the idea at a small rally in a picnic
"If they don't learn that soon, they
area in Washington's Rock Creek
will learn it suddenly," he said, call-
Park, where he also signaled a parti-
ing for voters in November to "get
san political tone for this week's ob-
people in there who will vote to clean
servances of Earth Day by accusing
up the environment."
Republicans in Congress of "cozying
Mr. Gore complained that the Sen-
up to the worst of the polluters."
ate, in its budget resolution, had cut
Emphasizing two of the Adminis-
much of the financing for several of
tration's favorite environmental
the Administration's environmental
themes - protecting children from
initiatives, including those dealing
pollution and expanding the public's
with parks, clean water and energy
right to know about emissions of
conservation tax credits.
potentially harmful pollutants - Mr.
Environmental groups welcomed
Gore said that testing chemicals and
the Administration's position on
disclosing their toxicity would serve
chemical testing. "Even basic
both purposes.
health-effects tests are missing from
Under the Administration's plan,
the public record for most of the top-
industry would run a standard set of
selling public chemicals," said Fred
tests on each of about 3,000 chemi-
Krupp, the executive director of the
cals that are produced in amounts of
Environmental Defense Fund, which
more than a million pounds a year.
called attention to the problem in a
Fewer than a tenth of these chemi-
report last July.
cals have been fully tested to date,
Fred Webber, the chief executive
officials said.
officer of the Chemical Manufactur-
The chemical industry said today
ers Association, said his industry
that it would voluntarily accelerate
the pace of this kind of testing, sub-
group was already working closely
with both the environmental agency
mitting as many as 100 new chemi-
cals per year to the tests by the year
and Mr. Krupp's group to increase
2003. But environmental groups said
the rate of testing and expand public
that was not fast enough.
access to the information.
Mr. Gore also told the Environ-
He said it would cost the industry
mental Protection Agency to consid-
an estimated $26 million per year to
er additional testing for chemicals
test 100 chemicals annually. But Mr.
that children are most likely to be
Krupp said that at the industry's
exposed to, and for chemicals that
proposed rate it would take two dec-
tend to build up in bodily tissues.
ades to complete the screening tests,
Officials said the agency already
and urged the companies to act by
had the authority to require the
the year 2000.
chemical tests under existing laws
and would not have to seek Congres-
sional approval.
Mr. Gore lashed out at the Republi-
31
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WASHINGTON YESTERDAY:
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Two centuries of White House
makeovers
WORLD
BUSINESS
TECHNOLOGY
SCIENCE
WASHINGTON (AP) When
-
HEALTH&LIVING
RAW
President Truman ordered the White
TRAVEL
House interior gutted and rebuilt in
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the early 1950s he exposed a fossil
ENTERTAINMENT
IEWS
record of the mansion's 150-year
WEATHER.com
home improvement drive.
REFERENCE
LOCAL
Gouged into the red bricks that backed
the old sandstone walls were the
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channels cut for gas lighting, the pipes for early indoor
plumbing, the remains of ancient electric wires.
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NEWS
The Truman demolition left skeletal outlines of old
ShoppingGaide
fireplaces, evidence of early central-heating ducts and
the remains of the bell system used to summon
servants.
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In its two centuries the White House has been a
Homework Help
showcase of American innovation, refitted repeatedly
to accommodate new and changing technology.
SEARCH
President Clinton added the latest chapter this month
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when he reported on what his administration has done
ABC.com
THE CENTURY
to bring the newest methods of reducing waste and
increasing efficiency at the old house. He cited
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everything from using new halogen light bulbs to
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employing the latest energy-efficient generation of
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computers, copiers and fax machines.
TOOLS AND
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Some presidents and their families resisted modern
conveniences.
in
1040
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when WORKINGH III 1040 instance pipes IVI gasigms
cheaper, safer and brighter than candles the wife of
President Polk was unimpressed.
Sarah Polk demanded that one room the Blue Room
- be lighted only by the candles always used there.
So at 9 p.m., during the first reception after the advent
of the new lighting system, the gas company
unexpectedly cut off the flow of gas for the evening.
The flames in the chandeliers flickered and died,
throwing the crowded White House into darkness
except for the Blue Room, where Sarah Polk presided
serenely in the comforting glow of dozens of
shimmering wax candles.
The first improvements at the White House were made
before the building was a year old.
Thomas Jefferson began by demolishing the outdoor
privy that had served President John Adams.
Historian William Seale, in his definitive two-volume
chronicle of the White House, "The President's
House," writes that Jefferson ordered a pair of indoor
water closets, specifying that they be "cleansed
constantly by a pipe throwing water through them at a
command from a reservoir above."
It was the first White House plumbing.
Heating was always a problem in the drafty White
House. Adams installed a coal-fired furnace to warm
the dining room for his guests, but the rest of the
house depended on fireplaces and occupants often
shivered.
"Hell itself couldn't heat that corner," Andrew Jackson
growled about one chilly spot.
His successor, Martin Van Buren, experimented with
central heating in 1840, and President Pierce added
improvements in 1853. The Pierce system used
copper coils filled with hot water to heat air, which
then circulated through ducts.
"Central heat_still uncommon at this time_was a
luxury to which the 19th century presidents quickly
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grew accustomed," Seale writes.
Alexander Graham Bell's telephone arrived "on trial"
on May 10, 1879. At first, there were so few
telephone subscribers in the capital that there was
almost no one to talk to.
But Seale records that the first typewriter proved its
worth shortly after the crate it came in was opened in
1880, quickly replacing the elegant penmanship of
generations of scribes.
Electric lights were installed in the White House in
1891 shortly after Thomas Edison perfected the
-
light bulb. But President Benjamin Harrison and his
wife were wary.
"As long as they remained at the White House, the
Harrisons refused to operate the electric lights
because they feared being shocked," Seale writes.
Air conditioning was first attempted during a medical
emergency in the steamy summer of 1881. Electric
blowers and tons of ice were used to cool the
overheated bedroom in which President Garfield
suffered for weeks after being shot by an assassin.
The first attempt to air-condition the whole house was
made in 1909, again with fans blowing on ice. It was
not a success.
A workable modern system was installed in Franklin
Roosevelt's White House in 1933. It used units
installed in fireplaces and rooftop compressors to cool
six bedrooms. The central system now in place,
improved as needed over the years, dates from
Truman's time. So does the rest of the White House
interior.
President Carter tried to leave his mark with solar
panels in the 1970s. It was hoped they would heat the
water for a staff kitchen, but the results were
disappointing. The apparatus was removed during the
Reagan administration.
Clinton said he hoped the changes he approved will
make the White House a model of efficiency and
environmental excellence well into the next century
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while setting an example for the country.
"Before I ask you to do the best you can in your
house, I ought to make sure I'm doing the best I can
in my house," he said.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Lawrence L. Knutson has reported
on Congress, the White House and Washington's
history for more than 30 years.
Copyright ©1999 ABC News Internet Ventures. Click here for Terms of Use
and Privacy Policy and Internet Safety Information applicable to this site.
4 of 4
12/20/1999 9:24 AM
copm
the
age
401'8
Green lobbyists
breathe down
the neck of
Ozone Man'
CEQ
As AI Gore redraws his campaign plans,
he also finds himself in trouble on the
environmental front, writes Nancy Dunne
{ Pias "Ozone Man" to the
the Balance had raised the
rescue in Kyoto two years
hopes of US greens for E new
ago, when negotiations
era of environmental prog.
over a treaty to address
ress.
giobal climate change were
On climate change. per-
deadlocked.
haps the most important
US Vice-President Al Gore,
Issue of the decade, the
so nicknamed by former
administration has bowed to
President George Bush for
vehicle and energy Industry
his well-publicised commit.
and union lobbies, despite
ment to the environment.
popular support for action in
swooped Into the Japanese
what has become the warm
city for a speech and in less
est decade in recorded his.
than 24 hours bad strength.
tory.
AI Gore, pictured at a fundraising recaption this week, has suffared . rebutt from Friends of the Earth
ened the minimalist US post.
Allbough many environ-
lion and helped forge a com-
mentalists criticised the
which will accelerate the
can boost some real achieve.
Early this month the White
to manceuvre against the
promise which led to the
Kyoto treaty as inadequate
decline of forests."
ments, according to Bruce
House put ou! a statement
most anti-environmental
Kyoto Protocol.
greenhouse emissions are 10
The administration
Hamilton of the Sierra Club
as the International Day for
Congress in recent history
The White House now Usts
be reduced ? per cent below
blocked the international
environmental pressure
the Preservation of the
Treaties on climate
From
the breakthrough on climate
1990 levels by 2006-2012
blosafely agreement, which
group.
Ozone Layer, taking credit
change, law of the sea, deser
Co
change as a big accomplish-
they are even more upset
was to have dealt with the
These include the Calif-
for reductions in czone-de-
lification and blodiversity
ment of the Clinton environ-
about the administration's
risk of biological pollution.
ornia Desert Protection Act.
pleting chemicals tegun in
conservation stand virtually
mental team. But 11 has yet
failure to follow though on
and failed to curb environ-
which protects inilions of
be Bush administration.
no chance of passage. Con-
7671
10 send the treaty to the US
implementation.
mentally damaging lending
acres of wilderness the des-
in lact, according :0 Jobn
gress has prohibited any
Senate for approval. which
Tbey concede that the
by the multinational Institu
Ignation of a portion of
Pessacantando of Ozone
spending to implement the
many crities say character
Ireaty faces certain defeat in
tions, be said. IL signed legis-
south-eastern Utah, threat-
Action, a national group
Kyoto Protocol.
ises the administration's fail-
the Senate, where a group of
lation which would all
ened with oil and EES devel-
focused on atmospheric pro-
Every year the Republi-
are to take strong leadership
influential Republicans has
mately reduce the
opinent, as a national monu-
tection, the administration
candomineted Congress
on environmental Issues
vowed to block 11, But they
Environmental Protection
ment; protection of Alaska's
actually slowed the phasing
adds anti-environmental
Widespread disillusion.
say such lapses in leadership
Agency's budget.
Aretic Slope; and strong
out of cblorofluorocarbons
amendments to key appro-
ment with the administra
have become more the rule
While disappointment
action on air pollution.
when Dupont offered to end
priations bills only some of
tion's environmental record
than the exception :n an
with the administration's
"The agencies have done a
their production in 1995, 8
which have brought presi
culminated In a recent
administration that has
record is widespread, most of
good, but not excellent, job,"
year early.
dential vetoes. This year
endorsement by the Friends
failed to use the White
the mainstream green
Mr Hamilton said. "How
Other steps the adminis
there are about 10 provisions
Post-it
To
Co./Dept.
of the Earth political action
House to mobilise public
groups are not ready to with
ever, we are disappointed by
tration claimed would
expected; ranging from a
committee of BIU Bradley, a
support.
draw support from the
many actions they haven't
strengthen International
proposal to restrict rules for
former senator and Mr
"This administration may
vice president. Many say
taken and there are many
elforts to restore the ozone
wetland development and
Gore's opponent for the
have caused more interna-
they do not know whether to
lewsuits for failing to do
layer were "not hold risk.
prohibitions on stricter fuel
Democratic party's presiden-
ciona) environmental dam-
blame him or President Bill
things required by law."
taking stuff but rather timid
economy standards from
tial nomination.
age than any before it." said
Clinton for the lapses, and
Rieasures that al) but the
sports-utility vehicles
Although Friends of the
Brent Blackwelder, president
most are reluctant to expose
nvironmentalists relue-
most anlienvironmental
How the administration
Earth, with 20,000 members
of Friends of the Earth. "Its
Mr Gore to criticism, as they
tantly accept that the
forces would easliy accept",
handles these will be closely
to the US, is one of the
trade agreements have
consider the Clinton record
"spin control" machin-
Mr Passacantando said.
watched by environmental
smaller environmental
undermined environmental
an improvement over the
eTy, which dominates the
While the White House
groups who have yet to
groups, It was a significant
protections, and now It Is
two previous Republican
administration's actions on
has sought 10 balance the
decide whether support for
setback for Mr Gore, whose
pushing towards a new
administrations.
other fronts, controls envi-
interests of business and the
Ozone Men 19 worth the
best-selling book Earth in
global timber agreement
In fact. the White House
ronmenta) strategy as well.
11
The Washington Times
DEC 4 1998
Circ: 90 126
Inside Politics
Compiled by Greg Pierce
Getting warm
President Clinton, on a visit to
Newport, R.I., yesterday, blamed
the warm weather on so-called
global warming - and then said
how much he was enjoying it.
"On the way in here I thanked
Senator [John H.] Chafee in par-
ticular for his help in trying to
sensitize the Congress to the
great challenge of climate change
and global warming," he said of
the Rhode Island Republican.
"But on this magnificent De-
cember day in Rhode Island, it's
hard to see it as a threat, I must
say. I appreciate this wonderful
day."
Greg Pierce can be reached at
202/636-3285 or by e-mail at
([email protected]).
3
White House Climate Change Task Force
734 Jackson Place, N.W. Washington, DC 20503
Facsimile
To: CHARLIE POPE , CQ
Fax: 785-8784
From:
Martha Wofford
395-2310
Total # of Pages: 12
Comments:
I
PRESIDENT'S RADIO ADDRESS
2
VA, HUD BILL LANGUAGE & REPORT CANGUAGE (THAT WAS
3
BUDLETT INFO
REMOVED By THE OBEY AMEN.)
July 26, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
TODD STERN
SUBJECT:
Climate Change Weekly Report (weeks of July 13 and 20)
Congressional
Appropriations. A little good news in the House this week. First, we worked with Rep. Obey on
an amendment to override the Knollenberg gag order in the report to the VA-HUD bill. The
amendment passed 226-198, with 175 Ds and 51 Rs voting for it. Rep. Greenwood had planned
to offer an amendment to neutralize the Knollenberg bill language, but at the last minute,
Greenwood, decided to not offer it. We were working this hard, as were the enviros. It would
surely have lost, but probably with a respectable vote. Greenwood, along with Reps. Boelhert
and Waxman, criticized the bill language during floor debate. Because the Senate bill does not
contain any such language on this issue, we are hopeful that we can work with the Senate and
these House members to modify the language in conference.
Second, after an initial 213-212 defeat, the House accepted a Skaggs/Fox amendment to the
Interior Approps bill to add back $45 million to DOE's energy efficiency budget; $34 million of
this was part of our climate change initiative. This still leaves us far below your requested
increase of $193 million, but it was an important step in the right direction.
Domestic policy
Economic analysis. CEA's economic analysis, which provides the underpinning to Janet Yellen's
February economic testimony on the Hill, is ready for release. There is one open issue that I will
address through a separate memo that should be ready for your review Monday or Tuesday.
Federal energy. As you know, we used this week's radio address to roll out the first four
elements of your federal energy plan, all related to significantly reducing the use of energy in
federal buildings. A good AP story ran in the Sunday Washington Post. Your announcement
included: (1) a directive to all agencies urging them to maximize their use of energy saving
performance contracts, accompanied by specific OMB guidance; (2) a new campaign to replace
300,000 light bulbs/fixtures in federal buildings with fluorescents in the next three years; (3) a
directive to agencies to maximize efforts to earn EPA's Energy Star label for their buildings; (4)
DOD's and six other agencies' agreement to build all new buildings, starting in the year 2000,
according to sustainable design principles (e.g., 50% more energy efficient). We are pressing
aread on the other elements of your federal energy plan.
Auto tax credit. I met separately with GM and Chrysler this week to see if the logjam could be
broken in discussions on an auto tax credit. The discussions to date, led by NEC, CEQ and OVP,
have foundered on the companies' opposition to a performance based credit (i.e., a credit for cars
that achieve two/three times ordinary mileage for their class). What they would support is a
credit for use of specific technologies -- such as hybrid engines. Our side has resisted until now
out of concern that unless the credit is performance based, you can't be certain that greenhouse
gas emissions will decline; the technology could be put into larger cars so that net emissions,
compared to a conventional engine in a smaller car, were the same. GM argues that these
technologies will always save emissions because even if the hybrid goes into a bigger car, it'll emit
less than a conventional engine in the bigger car. My feeling is that to have an auto tax credit
which Detroit would actively support on the Hill would be a huge boost for us -- and would give
us it transportation initiative with some zip -- so I want to rapidly explore whether we can't bend
enough to make a deal. Adequate acceptance by the environmental community (which likes our
performance based proposal) would be essential to make this work.
Industry consultations. We met recently with CEOs from the steel, cement and forest products
industries. The meetings were cordial, but there is a good deal of wariness on the part of many of
these leaders. They are uncertain about the level of reductions that would be expected of them
under a ratified treaty, uncertain about how mechanisms like trading would work, and concerned
about the lack of developing country participation. The Asian financial crisis has made this last
concern a good deal more acute, especially for industries like steel and forest products facing stiff
competition from those countries. The idea that our Kyoto obligations would give these countries
another price advantage (beyond cheap labor and a devalued currency), riles many of these CEOs.
We. of course, stress the value of working in partnership with us, but with many industries, this is
going to be tough sledding.
Diplomatic
A senior Chinese official has offered one of the most positive statements from her government to
date on the topic of emissions trading. Deng Nan, Vice Minister of Science and Technology (and
daughter of Deng Xiaoping), said that China is willing to work with other countries to develop
rules for emissions trading and would welcome further discussions with the U.S. on this topic.
The remarks came during a ceremony attended by Ambassador Sasser, launching a program to
build a demonstration energy efficient building in Beijing.
The G-8 climate change working group held its first meeting last week in London. Talks were
constructive, but underscored the wide gaps between ourselves and the EU on the difficult issue
of emissions trading. EU officials continue to insist on a percentage cap on the amount of
reductions that any country may purchase from abroad.
Communications
Tuesday and Wednesday, CNN aired a strong two-minute segment on climate change that
included footage of the heat wave in the Southwest, the Vice President's event last week and your
speech to the AFT. Anti-climate remarks by Rep. Knollenberg were countered by a litany of
recent weather data. On Thursday, The Los Angeles Times ran a story detailing your and the Vice
President's recent activity on climate change. There was also significant press coverage of the
House vote to drop the "gag order." In next week's issue, Newsweek is expected to run a piece
on the heat wave, its connection to climate change and its agricultural implications.
Editorials. Our editorial mailing of a couple weeks ago continued to pay dividends. The
Washington Post, Detroit Free Press, and Los Angeles Times all editorialized against the gag
order provision in the VA, HUD bill. The Free Press also criticized the funding cuts. On
Sunday, July 12, the New York Times, ran an editorial attacking the Knollenberg and other anti-
environmental riders. On Friday, July 17, the Times editorialized on the heat wave in the South
and Southwest and its possible link to global warming.
The Vice President's weather event on Tuesday, July 14, was covered by NBC and ABC in long
pieces on the Texas drought, and also received a good deal of print coverage.
United Technologies Corporation pledged to reduce energy use 25% by the year 2007 in over 240
facilities worldwide. A congratulatory letter from you was sent to the CEO, George David.
ce:
Vice President
Erskine Bowles
John Podesta
Ron Klain
Jack Lew
Katie McGinty
Mike McCurry
Gene Sperling
Jim Steinberg
Janet Yellen
August 1, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
FROM:
TODD STERN
SUBJECT:
Climate Change Weekly Report
Domestic policy
Industry consultations. We had a constructive meeting yesterday with top management of 14
major electric power providers, a sector that produces a third of the nation's carbon emissions.
The group included CEOs of American Electric Power, the Southern Company, the Tennessee
Valley Authority, Texas Utilities, Wisconsin Electric, Illinova, Public Service Electric and Gas
(New Jersey) and Trigen, as well as the President of Edison Electric Institute, the industry
association. The Vice President did a very effective drop-by for around 30 minutes. Three issues
were raised over and over: credit for early action; extending the life of nuclear (and to a lesser
extent, hydro) plants, which emit no greenhouse gases but face major hurdles on the relicensing
and waste fronts; and a more coordinated, rational approach to environmental regulation.
On this last point, many argued that they face contradictory air pollution requirements on varying
time schedules, which can result in their having to ameliorate one problem (say, sulphur or NOX)
at the cost of exacerbating another, like CO2. Tom Casten claimed that there are innovative
solutions on CO2 that could be put into effect if we had performance-based standards for
pollutants. Tom made the useful suggestion to establish an informal task force of people from
their side and our side to examine this regulatory question, and the Vice President agreed. We
will follow this up on a fast track. On the other points, we were already planning (this week if
possible) a working session on early credit with our interagency team and the three outside groups
who have done significant thinking in this area (one of these is a joint group from the
Environmental Defense Fund and several utilities); and we will move our dialogue on the nuclear
and hydro issues to a more technical level to see if helpful options can be developed.
Economic analysis. We released our economic analysis yesterday. Janet Yellen and I briefed
several environmental reporters. We also sent it up to all interested Members on the Hill, did a
small House and Senate staff briefing, and will do further briefings both on the Hill and for
business, labor and environmental groups on Monday. As expected, the analysis has been
criticized from both left and right -- the left saying we rely too much on buying permits from
abroad, the right saying it's a rosy scenario. The New York Times and AP both ran stories, which
emphasized the report's reliance on international trading. Janet and I both pushed back on this in
our briefing; AP gave more attention to our arguments than the Times did.
Congressional
Rep. Matsui is planning to introduce our climate change tax package at an event on the Hill
Wednesday morning. Larry Summers and I are going to participate. The Matsui bill will include
our auto tax credit as we proposed it, but we are continuing to work with GM to see if a modified
auto tax credit can be fashioned that they can support. To this end, we sent a two-person team
from CEA and NEC to Detroit this week to meet with GM. The toughest part of this will be to
develop a proposal that gains some support from the environmental community.
cc:
Vice President
Erskine Bowles
Sandy Berger
John Podesta
Ron Klain
Jack Lew
Mike McCurry
Katie McGinty
Gene Sperling
Jim Steinberg
Janet Yellen