To the Congress of the United States: With the opening of a new Congress and the beginning of a new Presidential term come fresh opportunities for achievement in America. To help us consider more adequately the very special challenges of this new year, I am presenting my 1973 State of the Union Message in' a number of sections. Two weeks ago I sent the first of those sections to the Congress--an overview reporting that "the basic state of our Union today is sound, and full of promise." Today I wish to report to the Congress on the state of our natural resources and environment. It is appropriate that this topic be first of our substantive policy discussions in the State of the Union presentation, since nowhere in our national affairs do we have more gratifying progress--nor more urgent, remaining problems. There was a time when Americans took our natural resources largely for granted. For example, President Lincoln observed in his State of the Union message for 1862 that "A nation may be said to consist of its territory, its people, and its laws. The territory is the only part which is of certain durability." In recent years, however, we have come to realize that our "territory"--that is, our land, air, water, minerals, and the like--is not of "certain durability" after all. We have learned that these natural resources are fragile and finite, and that many have been seriously damaged or despoiled. When we came to office in 1969, we tackled this problem with all the power at our command. Now there is encouraging evidence that the United States has moved away from the environmental crisis that could have been and toward a new era of restoration and renewal. Today, in 1973, I can report to the Congress that we are well on the way to winning the war against environmental degradation-well on the way to making our peace with nature. YEARS OF PROGRESS While I am disappointed that the 92nd Congress failed to act upon 19 of my key natural resources and environment proposals, I am pleased to have signed many of the proposals I supported into law during the past four years. They have included air quality legislation, strengthened water quality and pesticide control legislation, new authorities to control noise and ocean dumping, regulations to prevent oil and other spills in our ports and waterways, and legislation establishing major national recreation areas at America's Atlantic and Pacific gateways, New York and San Francisco. On the organizational front, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 has reformed programs and decision-making processes in our Federal agencies and has given citizens a greater opportunity to contribute as decisions are made. In 1970 I appointed the first Council on Environmental Quality--a group which has provided active leadership in environmental policies. In the same year, I established the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide more coordinated and vigorous environmental management. Our natural resource programs still need to be consolidated, however, and I will again submit legislation to the Congress to meet this need. The results of these efforts are tangible and measurable. Day by day, our air is getting cleaner; in virtually every one of our major cities the levels of air pollution are declining. Month by month, our water pollution problems are also being conquered, our noise and pesticide problems are coming under control, our parklands and protected wilderness areas are increasing. Year by year, our commitment of public funds for environmental programs continues to grow; it has increased four-fold in the last four years. In the area of water quality alone, it has grown fifteen-fold. In fact, we are now buying new facilities nearly as fast as the construction industry can build them. Spending still more money would not buy us more pollution control facilities but only more expensive ones. In addition to what Government is doing in the battle against pollution, our private industries are assuming a steadily growing share of responsibility in this field. Last year industrial spending for pollution control jumped by 50 percent, and this year it could reach as much as $5 billion. All nations, regardless of their economic systems, share to some extent in the environmental problem--but with vigorous United States leadership, joint efforts to solve this global problem are showing results. The United Nations has adopted the American proposal for a special U.N. environmental fund to coordinate and support international environmental programs. Some 92 nations have concluded an international convention to control the ocean dumping of wastes. An agreement is now being forged in the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization to end the intentional discharge of oil from ships into the ocean..This objective, first recommended by my Administration, was adopted by the NATO Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society. Representatives of almost 70 countries are meeting in Washington this week at our initiative to draft a treaty to protect endangered species of plant and animal wildlife. The U.S.-USSR environmental cooperation agreement which I signed in Moscow last year makes two of the world's greatest industrial powers allies against pollution. Another agreement which we concluded last year with Canada will help to clean up the Great Lakes. Domestically, we can also be proud of the steady progress being made in improving the quality of life in rural and agricultural America. We are beginning to break away from the old rigid system of controls which eroded the farmer's freedom through Government intrusion in the marketplace. The new flexibility permitted by the Agricultural Act of 1970 has enabled us to help expand farm markets and take advantage of the opportunity to increase exports by almost 60 percent in just three years. Net farm income is at an all-time high, up from $16.1 billion in 1971 to $19 billion in 1972. PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE US A record is not something to stand on; it is something to build on. And in this field of natural resources and the environment, we intend to build diligently and well. As we strive to transform our concern into action, our efforts will be guided by five basic principles: The first principle is that we must strike a balance so that the protection of our irreplaceable heritage becomes as important as its use. The price of economic growth need not and will not be deterioration in the quality of our lives and our surroundings. Second, because there are no local or State boundaries to the problems of our environment, the Federal Government must play an active, positive role. We can and will set standards and exercise leadership. We are providing necessary funding support. And we will provide encouragement and incentive for others to help with the job. But Washington must not displace State and local initiative, and we shall expect the State and local governments-along with the private sector--to play the central role in making the difficult, particular decisions which lie ahead. Third, the costs of pollution should be more fully met in the free marketplace, not in the Federal budget. For example, the price of pollution control devices for automobiles should be borne by the owner and the user and not by the general taxpayer. The costs of eliminating pollution should be reflected in the ,costs of goods and services. Fourth, we must realize that each individual must take the responsibility for 'looking after his own home and workplace. These daily surroundings are the environment where most Americans spend most of their time. They reflect people's pride in themselves and their consideration for their communities. A person's backyard is not the domain of the Federal Government. Finally, we must remain confident that America's technological and economic ingenuity will be equal to our environmental challenges. We will not look upon these challenges as insurmountable obstacles. Instead, we shall convert the so-called crisis of the environment into an opportunity for unprecedented progress. CONTROLLING POLLUTION We have made great progress in developing the laws and institutions to clean up pollution. We now have formidable new tools to protect against air, water and noise pollution and the special problem of pesticides. But to protect ourselves fully from harmful contaminants, we must still close several gaps in governmental authority. I was keenly disappointed when the last Congress failed to take action on many of my legislative requests related to our natural resources and environment. In the coming weeks I shall once again send these urgently needed proposals to the Congress so that the unfinished environmental business of the 92nd Congress can become the environmental achievements of the 93rd. Among these 19 proposals are eight whose passage would give us much greater control over the sources of pollution: --Toxic Substances. Many new chemicals can pose hazards to humans and the environment and are not well regulated. Authority is now needed to provide adequate testing standards for chemical substances and to restrict or prevent their distribution if testing confirms a hazard. --Hazardous Wastes. Land disposal of hazardous wastes has always been widely practiced but is now becoming more prevalent because of strict air and water pollution control programs. The disposal of the extremely hazardous wastes which endanger the health of humans and other organisms is a problem requiring direct Federal regulation. For other hazardous wastes, Federal standards should be established with guidelines for State regulatory programs to carry them out. --Safe Drinking Water. Federal action is also needed to stimulate greater State and local action to ensure high standards for our drinking water. We should establish national drinking water standards, with primary enforcement and monitoring powers retained by the State and local agencies, as well as a Federal requirement that suppliers notify their customers of the quality of their water. -Sulfur Oxides Emissions Charge. We now have national standards to help curtail sulfur emitted into the atmosphere from combustion, refining, smelting and other processes, but sulfur oxides continue to be among our most harmful air pollutants. For that reason, I favor legislation which would allow the Federal Government to impose a special financial charge on those who produce sulfur oxide emissions. This legislation would also help to ensure that low-sulfur fuels are allocated to areas where they are most urgently needed to protect the public health. --Sediment Control. Sediment from soil erosion and runoff continues to be a pervasive pollutant of our waters. Legislation is needed to ensure that the States make the control of sediment from new construction a vital part of their water quality programs. --Controlling Environmental Impacts of Transportation. As we have learned in recent years, we urgently need a mass transportation system not only to relieve urban congestion but also to reduce the concentrations of pollution that are too often the result of our present methods of transportation. Thus I will continue to place high priority upon my request to permit use of the Highway Trust Fund for mass transit purposes and to help State and local governments achieve air quality, conserve energy, and meet other environmental objectives. --United Nations Environmental Fund. Last year the United Nations adopted my proposal to establish a fund to coordinate and support international environmental programs. My 1974 budget includes a request for $10 million as our initial contribution toward the Fund's five-year goal of $100 million, and I recommend authorizing legislation for this purpose. --Ocean Dumping Convention. Along with 91 other nations, the United States recently concluded an international convention calling for regulation of ocean dumping. I am most anxious to obtain the advice and consent of the Senate for this convention as soon as possible. Congressional action is also needed on several other international conventions and amendments to control oil pollution from ships in the oceans. MANAGING THE LAND AS we steadily bring our pollution problems under control, more effective and sensible use of our land is rapidly emerging as among the highest of our priorities. The land is our Nation's basic natural resource, and our stewardship of this resource today will affect generations to come. America's land once seemed inexhaustible. There was always more of it beyond the horizon. Until the twentieth century we displayed a carelessness about our land, born of our youthful innocence and desire to expand. But our land is no longer an open frontier. Americans not only need, but also very much want to preserve diverse and beautiful landscapes, to maintain essential farm lands, to save wetlands and wildlife habitats, to keep open recreational space near crowded population centers, and to protect our shorelines and beaches. Our goal is to harmonize development with environmental quality and to add creatively to the beauty and long-term worth of land already being used. Land use policy is a basic responsibility of State and local governments. They are closer to the problems and closer to the people. Some localities are already reforming land use regulation--a trend I hope will accelerate. But because land is a national heritage, the Federal Government must exercise leadership in land use decision processes, and I am today again proposing that we provide it. In the coming weeks, I will ask the Congress to enact a number of legislative initiatives which will help us achieve this goal: --National Land Use Policy. Our greatest need is for comprehensive new legislation to stimulate State land use controls. We especially need a National Land Use Policy Act authorizing Federal assistance to encourage the States, in cooperation with local governments, to protect lands of critical environmental concern and to regulate the siting of key facilities such as airports, highways and major private developments. Appropriate Federal funds should be withheld from States that fail to act. --Power plant Siting. An open, long-range planning process is needed to help meet our power needs while also protecting the environment. We can avoid unnecessary delays with a power plant siting law which assures that electric power facilities are constructed on a timely basis, but with early and thorough review of long-range plans and specific provisions to protect the environment. --Protection of Wetlands. Our coastal wetlands are increasingly threatened by residential and commercial development. To increase their protection, I believe we should use the Federal tax laws to discourage unwise development in wetlands. --Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation. An important part of our national heritage are those historic structures in our urban areas which should be rehabilitated and preserved, not demolished. To help meet this goal, our tax laws should be revised to encourage rehabilitation of older buildings, and we should provide Federal insurance of loans to restore historic buildings for residential purposes. --Management of Public Lands. Approximately one-fifth of the Nation's land is considered "public domain", and lacks the protection of an overall management policy with environmental safeguards. Legislation is required to enable the Secretary of the Interior to protect our environmental interest on those lands. --Legacy of Parks. Under the Legacy of Parks program which I initiated in 1971, 257 separate parcels of parklands and underused Federal lands in all 50 States have been turned over to local control for park and recreational purposes. Most of these parcels are near congested urban areas, so that millions of citizens can now have easy access to parklands. I am pleased to announce today that 16 more parcels of Federal land will soon be made available under this same program  A list of the 16 properties was issued by the White House on the same day. Included were lands in California, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. We must not be content, however, with just the Legacy of Parks program. New authority is needed to revise the formula for allocating grant funds to the States from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. More of these funds should be channelled to States with large urban populations. --Mining on Public Lands. Under a statute now over a century old, public lands must be transferred to private ownership at the request of any person who discovers minerals on them. We thus have no effective control over mining on these properties. Because the public lands belong to all Americans, this 1872 Mining Act should be repealed and replaced with new legislation which I shall send to the Congress. --Mined Area Protection. Surface and underground mining can too often cause serious air and water pollution as well as unnecessary destruction of wildlife habitats and aesthetic and recreational areas. New legislation with stringent performance standards is required to regulate abuses of surface and underground mining in a manner compatible with the environment. AMERICAN AGRICULTURE A BASIC NATIONAL RESOURCE Nearly three-fifths of America's land is in the stewardship of the farmer and the rancher. We can be grateful that farmers have been among our best conservationists over the years. Farmers know better than most that sound conservation means better long-term production and improved land values. More importantly, no one respects and understands our soil and land better than those who make their living by the land. But Americans know their farmers and ranchers best for all they have done to keep us the best-fed and best-clothed people in the history of mankind. A forward-looking agricultural economy is not only essential for environmental progress, but also to provide for our burgeoning food and fiber needs. My Administration is not going to express its goal for farmers in confusing terms. Our goal, instead, is very simple. The farmer wants, has earned, and deserves more freedom to make his own decisions. The Nation wants and needs expanded supplies of reasonably priced goods and commodities. These goals are complementary. Both have been advanced by the basic philosophy of the Agricultural Act of 1970. They must be further advanced by Congressional action this year. The Agricultural Act of 1970 expires with the 1973 crop. We now face the fundamental challenge of developing legislation appropriate to the economy of the 1970'S. Over the next several months, the future direction of the farm program must he discussed, debated and written into law. The outcome of this process will be crucial not only to farmers and ranchers, but to consumers and taxpayers as well. My Administration's fundamental approach to farm policy is to build on the forward course set by the 1970 Act. These principles should guide us in enacting new farm legislation: --Farmers must be provided with greater freedom to make production and marketing decisions. I have never known anyone in Washington who knows better than a farmer what is in his own best interest. --Government influence in the farm commodity marketplace must be reduced. Old fashioned Federal intrusion is as inappropriate to today's farm economy as the old McCormick reaper would be on a highly sophisticated modern farm. --We must allow farmers the opportunity to produce for expanding domestic demands and to continue our vigorous competition in export markets. We will not accomplish that goal by telling the farmer how much he can grow or the rancher how much livestock he can raise. Fidelity to this principle will have the welcome effect of encouraging both fair food prices for consumers and growing income from the marketplace for farmers. --We must reduce the farmer's dependence on Government payments through increased returns from sales of farm products at home and abroad. Because some of our current methods of handling farm problems are outmoded, the farmer has been unfairly saddled with the unflattering image of drinking primarily at the Federal well. Let us remember that more than 93 percent of gross farm income comes directly through the marketplace. Farmers and ranchers are strong and independent businessmen; we should expand their opportunity to exercise their strength and independence. --Finally, we need a program that will put the United States in a good posture for forthcoming trade negotiations. In pursuing all of these goals, we will work closely through the Secretary of Agriculture with the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry and the House Committee on Agriculture to formulate and enact new legislation in areas where it is needed. I believe, for example, that dairy support systems, wheat, feed grains and cotton allotments and bases--some established decades ago---are drastically outdated. They tend to be discriminatory for many farm operators. It would be desirable to establish, after a reasonable transition period, a more equitable basis for production adjustment in the agricultural economy should such adjustment be needed in the years ahead. Direct Federal payments should, at the end of the transition period, be limited to the amounts necessary to compensate farmers for withholding unneeded land from crop production. As new farm legislation is debated in the months ahead, I hope the Congress will address this important subject with a deep appreciation of the need to keep the Government off the farm as well as keeping the farmer on. PROTECTING, OUR NATURAL HERITAGE An important measure of our true commitment to environmental quality is our dedication to protecting the wilderness and its inhabitants. We must recognize their ecological significance and preserve them as sources of inspiration and education. And we need them as places of quiet refuge and reflection. Important progress has been made in recent years, but still further action is needed in the Congress. Specifically, I will ask the 93rd Congress to direct its attention to the following areas of concern: --Endangered Species. The limited scope of existing laws requires new authority to identify and protect endangered species before they are so depleted that it is too late. New legislation must also make the taking of an endangered animal a Federal offense. --Predator Control. The widespread use of highly toxic poisons to kill coyotes and other predatory animals has spread persistent poisons to range and forest lands without adequate foresight of environmental effects. I believe Federal assistance is now required so that we can find better means of controlling predators without endangering other wildlife. --Wilderness Areas. Historically, Americans have always looked westward to enjoy wilderness areas. Today we realize that we must also preserve the remaining areas of wilderness in the East, if the majority of our people are to have the full benefit of our natural glories. Therefore I will ask the Congress to amend the legislation that established the Wilderness Preservation System so that more of our Eastern lands can be included. 
--Wild and Scenic Rivers. New legislation is also needed to continue our expansion of the national system of wild and scenic rivers. Funding authorization must be increased by $20 million to complete acquisitions in seven areas, and we must extend the moratorium on Federal licensing for water resource projects on those rivers being considered for inclusion in the system. --Big Cypress National Fresh Water Preserve. It is our great hope that we can create a reserve of Florida's Big Cypress Swamp in order to protect the outstanding wildlife in that area, preserve the water supply of Everglades National Park and provide the Nation with an outstanding recreation area. Prompt passage of Federal legislation would allow the Interior Department to forestall private or commercial development and inflationary pressures that will build if we delay. --Protecting Marine Fisheries. Current regulation of fisheries off U.S. coasts is inadequate to conserve and manage these resources. Legislation is needed to authorize U.S. regulation of foreign fishing off U.S. coasts to the fullest extent authorized by international agreements. In addition, domestic fishing should be regulated in the U.S. fisheries zone and in the high seas beyond that zone. --World Heritage Trust. The United States has endorsed an international convention for a World Heritage Trust embodying our proposals to accord special recognition and protection to areas of the world which are of such unique natural, historical, or cultural value that they are a part of the heritage of all mankind. I am hopeful that this convention will be ratified early in 1973. --Weather Modification. Our capacity to affect the weather has grown considerably in sophistication and predictability, but with this advancement has also come a new potential for endangering lives and property and causing adverse environmental effects. With additional Federal regulations, I believe that we can minimize these dangers. MEETING OUR ENERGY NEEDS One of the highest priorities of my Administration during the coming year will be a concern for energy supplies--a concern underscored this winter by occasional fuel shortages. We must face up to a stark fact in America: we are now consuming more energy than we produce. A year and a half ago I sent to the Congress the first Presidential message ever devoted to the energy question. I shall soon submit a new and far more comprehensive energy message containing wide-ranging initiatives to ensure necessary supplies of energy at acceptable economic and environmental costs. In the meantime, to help meet immediate needs, I have temporarily suspended import quotas on home heating oil east of the Rocky Mountains. As we work to expand our supplies of energy, we should also recognize that we must balance those efforts with our concern to preserve our environment. In the past, as we have sought new energy sources, we have too often damaged or despoiled our land. Actions to avoid such damage will probably aggravate our energy problems to some extent and may lead to higher prices. But all development and use of energy sources carry environmental risks, and we must find ways to minimize those risks while also providing adequate supplies of energy. I am fully confident that we can satisfy both of these imperatives. GOING FORWARD IN CONFIDENCE The environmental awakening of recent years has triggered substantial progress in the fight to preserve and renew the great legacies of nature. Unfortunately, it has also triggered a certain tendency to despair. Some people have moved from complacency to the opposite extreme of alarmism, suggesting that our pollution problems were hopeless and predicting impending ecological disaster. Some have suggested that we could never reconcile environmental protection with continued economic growth. I reject this doomsday mentality--and I hope the Congress will also reject it. I believe that we can meet our environmental challenges without turning our back on progress. What we must do is to stop the hand-wringing, roll up our sleeves and get on with the job. The advocates of defeatism warn us of all that is wrong. But I believe they underestimate this Nation's genius for responsive adaptability and its enormous reservoir of spirit. I believe there is always a sensible middle ground between the Cassandras and the Pollyannas. We must take our stand upon that ground. I have profound respect for the enormous challenge ahead, but I have even stronger respect for the capacity and character of the American people. Many of us have heard the adage that the last letters of the word, "American," say "I can." I am confident that we can, and we will, meet our natural resource challenges. RICHARD NIXON 
The White House, 
February 15, 1973.
To the Congress of the United States: With the opening of a new Congress and the beginning of a new Presidential term come fresh opportunities for achievement in America. To help us consider more adequately the very special challenges of this new year, I am presenting my 1973 State of the Union Message in' a number of sections. Two weeks ago I sent the first of those sections to the Congress--an overview reporting that "the basic state of our Union today is sound, and full of promise." Today I wish to report to the Congress on the state of our natural resources and environment. It is appropriate that this topic be first of our substantive policy discussions in the State of the Union presentation, since nowhere in our national affairs do we have more gratifying progress--nor more urgent, remaining problems. There was a time when Americans took our natural resources largely for granted. For example, President Lincoln observed in his State of the Union message for 1862 that "A nation may be said to consist of its territory, its people, and its laws. The territory is the only part which is of certain durability." In recent years, however, we have come to realize that our "territory"--that is, our land, air, water, minerals, and the like--is not of "certain durability" after all. We have learned that these natural resources are fragile and finite, and that many have been seriously damaged or despoiled. When we came to office in 1969, we tackled this problem with all the power at our command. Now there is encouraging evidence that the United States has moved away from the environmental crisis that could have been and toward a new era of restoration and renewal. Today, in 1973, I can report to the Congress that we are well on the way to winning the war against environmental degradation-well on the way to making our peace with nature. YEARS OF PROGRESS While I am disappointed that the 92nd Congress failed to act upon 19 of my key natural resources and environment proposals, I am pleased to have signed many of the proposals I supported into law during the past four years. They have included air quality legislation, strengthened water quality and pesticide control legislation, new authorities to control noise and ocean dumping, regulations to prevent oil and other spills in our ports and waterways, and legislation establishing major national recreation areas at America's Atlantic and Pacific gateways, New York and San Francisco. On the organizational front, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 has reformed programs and decision-making processes in our Federal agencies and has given citizens a greater opportunity to contribute as decisions are made. In 1970 I appointed the first Council on Environmental Quality--a group which has provided active leadership in environmental policies. In the same year, I established the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to provide more coordinated and vigorous environmental management. Our natural resource programs still need to be consolidated, however, and I will again submit legislation to the Congress to meet this need. The results of these efforts are tangible and measurable. Day by day, our air is getting cleaner; in virtually every one of our major cities the levels of air pollution are declining. Month by month, our water pollution problems are also being conquered, our noise and pesticide problems are coming under control, our parklands and protected wilderness areas are increasing. Year by year, our commitment of public funds for environmental programs continues to grow; it has increased four-fold in the last four years. In the area of water quality alone, it has grown fifteen-fold. In fact, we are now buying new facilities nearly as fast as the construction industry can build them. Spending still more money would not buy us more pollution control facilities but only more expensive ones. In addition to what Government is doing in the battle against pollution, our private industries are assuming a steadily growing share of responsibility in this field. Last year industrial spending for pollution control jumped by 50 percent, and this year it could reach as much as $5 billion. All nations, regardless of their economic systems, share to some extent in the environmental problem--but with vigorous United States leadership, joint efforts to solve this global problem are showing results. The United Nations has adopted the American proposal for a special YOU.N. environmental fund to coordinate and support international environmental programs. Some 92 nations have concluded an international convention to control the ocean dumping of wastes. An agreement is now being forged in the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization to end the intentional discharge of oil from ships into the ocean..This objective, first recommended by my Administration, was adopted by the NATO Committee on the Challenges of Modern Society. Representatives of almost 70 countries are meeting in Washington this week at our initiative to draft a treaty to protect endangered species of plant and animal wildlife. The YOU.S.-USSR environmental cooperation agreement which I signed in Moscow last year makes two of the world's greatest industrial powers allies against pollution. Another agreement which we concluded last year with Canada will help to clean up the Great Lakes. Domestically, we can also be proud of the steady progress being made in improving the quality of life in rural and agricultural America. We are beginning to break away from the old rigid system of controls which eroded the farmer's freedom through Government intrusion in the marketplace. The new flexibility permitted by the Agricultural Act of 1970 has enabled us to help expand farm markets and take advantage of the opportunity to increase exports by almost 60 percent in just three years. Net farm income is at an all-time high, up from $16.1 billion in 1971 to $19 billion in 1972. PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE US A record is not something to stand on; it is something to build on. And in this field of natural resources and the environment, we intend to build diligently and well. As we strive to transform our concern into action, our efforts will be guided by five basic principles: The first principle is that we must strike a balance so that the protection of our irreplaceable heritage becomes as important as its use. The price of economic growth need not and will not be deterioration in the quality of our lives and our surroundings. Second, because there are no local or State boundaries to the problems of our environment, the Federal Government must play an active, positive role. We can and will set standards and exercise leadership. We are providing necessary funding support. And we will provide encouragement and incentive for others to help with the job. But Washington must not displace State and local initiative, and we shall expect the State and local governments-along with the private sector--to play the central role in making the difficult, particular decisions which lie ahead. Third, the costs of pollution should be more fully met in the free marketplace, not in the Federal budget. For example, the price of pollution control devices for automobiles should be borne by the owner and the user and not by the general taxpayer. The costs of eliminating pollution should be reflected in the ,costs of goods and services. Fourth, we must realize that each individual must take the responsibility for 'looking after his own home and workplace. These daily surroundings are the environment where most Americans spend most of their time. They reflect people's pride in themselves and their consideration for their communities. A person's backyard is not the domain of the Federal Government. Finally, we must remain confident that America's technological and economic ingenuity will be equal to our environmental challenges. We will not look upon these challenges as insurmountable obstacles. Instead, we shall convert the so-called crisis of the environment into an opportunity for unprecedented progress. CONTROLLING POLLUTION We have made great progress in developing the laws and institutions to clean up pollution. We now have formidable new tools to protect against air, water and noise pollution and the special problem of pesticides. But to protect ourselves fully from harmful contaminants, we must still close several gaps in governmental authority. I was keenly disappointed when the last Congress failed to take action on many of my legislative requests related to our natural resources and environment. In the coming weeks I shall once again send these urgently needed proposals to the Congress so that the unfinished environmental business of the 92nd Congress can become the environmental achievements of the 93rd. Among these 19 proposals are eight whose passage would give us much greater control over the sources of pollution: --Toxic Substances. Many new chemicals can pose hazards to humans and the environment and are not well regulated. Authority is now needed to provide adequate testing standards for chemical substances and to restrict or prevent their distribution if testing confirms a hazard. --Hazardous Wastes. Land disposal of hazardous wastes has always been widely practiced but is now becoming more prevalent because of strict air and water pollution control programs. The disposal of the extremely hazardous wastes which endanger the health of humans and other organisms is a problem requiring direct Federal regulation. For other hazardous wastes, Federal standards should be established with guidelines for State regulatory programs to carry them out. --Safe Drinking Water. Federal action is also needed to stimulate greater State and local action to ensure high standards for our drinking water. We should establish national drinking water standards, with primary enforcement and monitoring powers retained by the State and local agencies, as well as a Federal requirement that suppliers notify their customers of the quality of their water. -Sulfur Oxides Emissions Charge. We now have national standards to help curtail sulfur emitted into the atmosphere from combustion, refining, smelting and other processes, but sulfur oxides continue to be among our most harmful air pollutants. For that reason, I favor legislation which would allow the Federal Government to impose a special financial charge on those who produce sulfur oxide emissions. This legislation would also help to ensure that low-sulfur fuels are allocated to areas where they are most urgently needed to protect the public health. --Sediment Control. Sediment from soil erosion and runoff continues to be a pervasive pollutant of our waters. Legislation is needed to ensure that the States make the control of sediment from new construction a vital part of their water quality programs. --Controlling Environmental Impacts of Transportation. As we have learned in recent years, we urgently need a mass transportation system not only to relieve urban congestion but also to reduce the concentrations of pollution that are too often the result of our present methods of transportation. Thus I will continue to place high priority upon my request to permit use of the Highway Trust Fund for mass transit purposes and to help State and local governments achieve air quality, conserve energy, and meet other environmental objectives. --United Nations Environmental Fund. Last year the United Nations adopted my proposal to establish a fund to coordinate and support international environmental programs. My 1974 budget includes a request for $10 million as our initial contribution toward the Fund's five-year goal of $100 million, and I recommend authorizing legislation for this purpose. --Ocean Dumping Convention. Along with 91 other nations, the United States recently concluded an international convention calling for regulation of ocean dumping. I am most anxious to obtain the advice and consent of the Senate for this convention as soon as possible. Congressional action is also needed on several other international conventions and amendments to control oil pollution from ships in the oceans. MANAGING THE LAND AS we steadily bring our pollution problems under control, more effective and sensible use of our land is rapidly emerging as among the highest of our priorities. The land is our Nation's basic natural resource, and our stewardship of this resource today will affect generations to come. America's land once seemed inexhaustible. There was always more of it beyond the horizon. Until the twentieth century we displayed a carelessness about our land, born of our youthful innocence and desire to expand. But our land is no longer an open frontier. Americans not only need, but also very much want to preserve diverse and beautiful landscapes, to maintain essential farm lands, to save wetlands and wildlife habitats, to keep open recreational space near crowded population centers, and to protect our shorelines and beaches. Our goal is to harmonize development with environmental quality and to add creatively to the beauty and long-term worth of land already being used. Land use policy is a basic responsibility of State and local governments. They are closer to the problems and closer to the people. Some localities are already reforming land use regulation--a trend I hope will accelerate. But because land is a national heritage, the Federal Government must exercise leadership in land use decision processes, and I am today again proposing that we provide it. In the coming weeks, I will ask the Congress to enact a number of legislative initiatives which will help us achieve this goal: --National Land Use Policy. Our greatest need is for comprehensive new legislation to stimulate State land use controls. We especially need a National Land Use Policy Act authorizing Federal assistance to encourage the States, in cooperation with local governments, to protect lands of critical environmental concern and to regulate the siting of key facilities such as airports, highways and major private developments. Appropriate Federal funds should be withheld from States that fail to act. --Power plant Siting. An open, long-range planning process is needed to help meet our power needs while also protecting the environment. We can avoid unnecessary delays with a power plant siting law which assures that electric power facilities are constructed on a timely basis, but with early and thorough review of long-range plans and specific provisions to protect the environment. --Protection of Wetlands. Our coastal wetlands are increasingly threatened by residential and commercial development. To increase their protection, I believe we should use the Federal tax laws to discourage unwise development in wetlands. --Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation. An important part of our national heritage are those historic structures in our urban areas which should be rehabilitated and preserved, not demolished. To help meet this goal, our tax laws should be revised to encourage rehabilitation of older buildings, and we should provide Federal insurance of loans to restore historic buildings for residential purposes. --Management of Public Lands. Approximately one-fifth of the Nation's land is considered "public domain", and lacks the protection of an overall management policy with environmental safeguards. Legislation is required to enable the Secretary of the Interior to protect our environmental interest on those lands. --Legacy of Parks. Under the Legacy of Parks program which I initiated in 1971, 257 separate parcels of parklands and underused Federal lands in all 50 States have been turned over to local control for park and recreational purposes. Most of these parcels are near congested urban areas, so that millions of citizens can now have easy access to parklands. I am pleased to announce today that 16 more parcels of Federal land will soon be made available under this same program A list of the 16 properties was issued by the White House on the same day. Included were lands in California, Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. We must not be content, however, with just the Legacy of Parks program. New authority is needed to revise the formula for allocating grant funds to the States from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. More of these funds should be channelled to States with large urban populations. --Mining on Public Lands. Under a statute now over a century old, public lands must be transferred to private ownership at the request of any person who discovers minerals on them. We thus have no effective control over mining on these properties. Because the public lands belong to all Americans, this 1872 Mining Act should be repealed and replaced with new legislation which I shall send to the Congress. --Mined Area Protection. Surface and underground mining can too often because serious air and water pollution as well as unnecessary destruction of wildlife habitats and aesthetic and recreational areas. New legislation with stringent performance standards is required to regulate abuses of surface and underground mining in a manner compatible with the environment. AMERICAN AGRICULTURE A BASIC NATIONAL RESOURCE Nearly three-fifths of America's land is in the stewardship of the farmer and the rancher. We can be grateful that farmers have been among our best conservationists over the years. Farmers know better than most that sound conservation means better long-term production and improved land values. More importantly, no one respects and understands our soil and land better than those who make their living by the land. But Americans know their farmers and ranchers best for all they have done to keep us the best-fed and best-clothed people in the history of mankind. A forward-looking agricultural economy is not only essential for environmental progress, but also to provide for our burgeoning food and fiber needs. My Administration is not going to express its goal for farmers in confusing terms. Our goal, instead, is very simple. The farmer wants, has earned, and deserves more freedom to make his own decisions. The Nation wants and needs expanded supplies of reasonably priced goods and commodities. These goals are complementary. Both have been advanced by the basic philosophy of the Agricultural Act of 1970. They must be further advanced by Congressional action this year. The Agricultural Act of 1970 expires with the 1973 crop. We now face the fundamental challenge of developing legislation appropriate to the economy of the 1970'S. Over the next several months, the future direction of the farm program must he discussed, debated and written into law. The outcome of this process will be crucial not only to farmers and ranchers, but to consumers and taxpayers as well. My Administration's fundamental approach to farm policy is to build on the forward course set by the 1970 Act. These principles should guide us in enacting new farm legislation: --Farmers must be provided with greater freedom to make production and marketing decisions. I have never known anyone in Washington who knows better than a farmer what is in his own best interest. --Government influence in the farm commodity marketplace must be reduced. Old fashioned Federal intrusion is as inappropriate to today's farm economy as the old McCormick reaper would be on a highly sophisticated modern farm. --We must allow farmers the opportunity to produce for expanding domestic demands and to continue our vigorous competition in export markets. We will not accomplish that goal by telling the farmer how much he can grow or the rancher how much livestock he can raise. Fidelity to this principle will have the welcome effect of encouraging both fair food prices for consumers and growing income from the marketplace for farmers. --We must reduce the farmer's dependence on Government payments through increased returns from sales of farm products at home and abroad. Because some of our current methods of handling farm problems are outmoded, the farmer has been unfairly saddled with the unflattering image of drinking primarily at the Federal well. Let us remember that more than 93 percent of gross farm income comes directly through the marketplace. Farmers and ranchers are strong and independent businessmen; we should expand their opportunity to exercise their strength and independence. --Finally, we need a program that will put the United States in a good posture for forthcoming trade negotiations. In pursuing all of these goals, we will work closely through the Secretary of Agriculture with the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry and the House Committee on Agriculture to formulate and enact new legislation in areas where it is needed. I believe, for example, that dairy support systems, wheat, feed grains and cotton allotments and bases--some established decades ago---are drastically outdated. They tend to be discriminatory for many farm operators. It would be desirable to establish, after a reasonable transition period, a more equitable basis for production adjustment in the agricultural economy should such adjustment be needed in the years ahead. Direct Federal payments should, at the end of the transition period, be limited to the amounts necessary to compensate farmers for withholding unneeded land from crop production. As new farm legislation is debated in the months ahead, I hope the Congress will address this important subject with a deep appreciation of the need to keep the Government off the farm as well as keeping the farmer on. PROTECTING, OUR NATURAL HERITAGE An important measure of our true commitment to environmental quality is our dedication to protecting the wilderness and its inhabitants. We must recognize their ecological significance and preserve them as sources of inspiration and education. And we need them as places of quiet refuge and reflection. Important progress has been made in recent years, but still further action is needed in the Congress. Specifically, I will ask the 93rd Congress to direct its attention to the following areas of concern: --Endangered Species. The limited scope of existing laws requires new authority to identify and protect endangered species before they are so depleted that it is too late. New legislation must also make the taking of an endangered animal a Federal offense. --Predator Control. The widespread use of highly toxic poisons to kill coyotes and other predatory animals has spread persistent poisons to range and forest lands without adequate foresight of environmental effects. I believe Federal assistance is now required so that we can find better means of controlling predators without endangering other wildlife. --Wilderness Areas. Historically, Americans have always looked westward to enjoy wilderness areas. Today we realize that we must also preserve the remaining areas of wilderness in the East, if the majority of our people are to have the full benefit of our natural glories. Therefore I will ask the Congress to amend the legislation that established the Wilderness Preservation System so that more of our Eastern lands can be included. --Wild and Scenic Rivers. New legislation is also needed to continue our expansion of the national system of wild and scenic rivers. Funding authorization must be increased by $20 million to complete acquisitions in seven areas, and we must extend the moratorium on Federal licensing for water resource projects on those rivers being considered for inclusion in the system. --Big Cypress National Fresh Water Preserve. It is our great hope that we can create a reserve of Florida's Big Cypress Swamp in order to protect the outstanding wildlife in that area, preserve the water supply of Everglades National Park and provide the Nation with an outstanding recreation area. Prompt passage of Federal legislation would allow the Interior Department to forestall private or commercial development and inflationary pressures that will build if we delay. --Protecting Marine Fisheries. Current regulation of fisheries off YOU.S. coasts is inadequate to conserve and manage these resources. Legislation is needed to authorize YOU.S. regulation of foreign fishing off YOU.S. coasts to the fullest extent authorized by international agreements. In addition, domestic fishing should be regulated in the YOU.S. fisheries zone and in the high seas beyond that zone. --World Heritage Trust. The United States has endorsed an international convention for a World Heritage Trust embodying our proposals to accord special recognition and protection to areas of the world which are of such unique natural, historical, or cultural value that they are a part of the heritage of all mankind. I am hopeful that this convention will be ratified early in 1973. --Weather Modification. Our capacity to affect the weather has grown considerably in sophistication and predictability, but with this advancement has also come a new potential for endangering lives and property and causing adverse environmental effects. With additional Federal regulations, I believe that we can minimize these dangers. MEETING OUR ENERGY NEEDS One of the highest priorities of my Administration during the coming year will be a concern for energy supplies--a concern underscored this winter by occasional fuel shortages. We must face up to a stark fact in America: we are now consuming more energy than we produce. A year and a half ago I sent to the Congress the first Presidential message ever devoted to the energy question. I shall soon submit a new and far more comprehensive energy message containing wide-ranging initiatives to ensure necessary supplies of energy at acceptable economic and environmental costs. In the meantime, to help meet immediate needs, I have temporarily suspended import quotas on home heating oil east of the Rocky Mountains. As we work to expand our supplies of energy, we should also recognize that we must balance those efforts with our concern to preserve our environment. In the past, as we have sought new energy sources, we have too often damaged or despoiled our land. Actions to avoid such damage will probably aggravate our energy problems to some extent and may lead to higher prices. But all development and use of energy sources carry environmental risks, and we must find ways to minimize those risks while also providing adequate supplies of energy. I am fully confident that we can satisfy both of these imperatives. GOING FORWARD IN CONFIDENCE The environmental awakening of recent years has triggered substantial progress in the fight to preserve and renew the great legacies of nature. Unfortunately, it has also triggered a certain tendency to despair. Some people have moved from complacency to the opposite extreme of alarmism, suggesting that our pollution problems were hopeless and predicting impending ecological disaster. Some have suggested that we could never reconcile environmental protection with continued economic growth. I reject this doomsday mentality--and I hope the Congress will also reject it. I believe that we can meet our environmental challenges without turning our back on progress. What we must do is to stop the hand-wringing, roll up our sleeves and get on with the job. The advocates of defeatism warn us of all that is wrong. But I believe they underestimate this Nation's genius for responsive adaptability and its enormous reservoir of spirit. I believe there is always a sensible middle ground between the Cassandras and the Pollyannas. We must take our stand upon that ground. I have profound respect for the enormous challenge ahead, but I have even stronger respect for the capacity and character of the American people. Many of us have heard the adage that the last letters of the word, "American," say "I can." I am confident that we can, and we will, meet our natural resource challenges. RICHARD NIXON The White House, February 15, 1973.
to the congress of the united states with the opening of a new congress and the beginning of a new presidential term come fresh opportunities for achievement in america to help us consider more adequately the very special challenges of this new year i am presenting my 1973 state of the union message in a number of sections two weeks ago i sent the first of those sections to the congress an overview reporting that the basic state of our union today is sound and full of promise today i wish to report to the congress on the state of our natural resources and environment it is appropriate that this topic be first of our substantive policy discussions in the state of the union presentation since nowhere in our national affairs do we have more gratifying progress nor more urgent remaining problems there was a time when americans took our natural resources largely for granted for example president lincoln observed in his state of the union message for 1862 that a nation may be said to consist of its territory its people and its laws the territory is the only part which is of certain durability in recent years however we have come to realize that our territory that is our land air water minerals and the like is not of certain durability after all we have learned that these natural resources are fragile and finite and that many have been seriously damaged or despoiled when we came to office in 1969 we tackled this problem with all the power at our command now there is encouraging evidence that the united states has moved away from the environmental crisis that could have been and toward a new era of restoration and renewal today in 1973 i can report to the congress that we are well on the way to winning the war against environmental on the way to making our peace with nature years of progress while i am disappointed that the 92nd congress failed to act upon 19 of my key natural resources and environment proposals i am pleased to have signed many of the proposals i supported into law during the past four years they have included air quality legislation strengthened water quality and pesticide control legislation new authorities to control noise and ocean dumping regulations to prevent oil and other spills in our ports and waterways and legislation establishing major national recreation areas at america atlantic and pacific gateways new york and san francisco on the organizational front the national environmental policy act of 1969 has reformed programs and processes in our federal agencies and has given citizens a greater opportunity to contribute as decisions are made in 1970 i appointed the first council on environmental quality a group which has provided active leadership in environmental policies in the same year i established the environmental protection agency and the national oceanic and atmospheric administration to provide more coordinated and vigorous environmental management our natural resource programs still need to be consolidated however and i will again submit legislation to the congress to meet this need the results of these efforts are tangible and measurable day by day our air is getting cleaner in virtually every one of our major cities the levels of air pollution are declining month by month our water pollution problems are also being conquered our noise and pesticide problems are coming under control our parklands and protected wilderness areas are increasing year by year our commitment of public funds for environmental programs continues to grow it has increased in the last four years in the area of water quality alone it has grown in fact we are now buying new facilities nearly as fast as the construction industry can build them spending still more money would not buy us more pollution control facilities but only more expensive ones in addition to what government is doing in the battle against pollution our private industries are assuming a steadily growing share of responsibility in this field last year industrial spending for pollution control jumped by 50 percent and this year it could reach as much as 5 billion all nations regardless of their economic systems share to some extent in the environmental problem but with vigorous united states leadership joint efforts to solve this global problem are showing results the united nations has adopted the american proposal for a special environmental fund to coordinate and support international environmental programs some 92 nations have concluded an international convention to control the ocean dumping of wastes an agreement is now being forged in the intergovernmental maritime consultative organization to end the intentional discharge of oil from ships into the ocean this objective first recommended by my administration was adopted by the nato committee on the challenges of modern society representatives of almost 70 countries are meeting in washington this week at our initiative to draft a treaty to protect endangered species of plant and animal wildlife the environmental cooperation agreement which i signed in moscow last year makes two of the world greatest industrial powers allies against pollution another agreement which we concluded last year with canada will help to clean up the great lakes domestically we can also be proud of the steady progress being made in improving the quality of life in rural and agricultural america we are beginning to break away from the old rigid system of controls which eroded the farmer freedom through government intrusion in the marketplace the new flexibility permitted by the agricultural act of 1970 has enabled us to help expand farm markets and take advantage of the opportunity to increase exports by almost 60 percent in just three years net farm income is at an high up from billion in 1971 to 19 billion in 1972 principles to guide us a record is not something to stand on it is something to build on and in this field of natural resources and the environment we intend to build diligently and well as we strive to transform our concern into action our efforts will be guided by five basic principles the first principle is that we must strike a balance so that the protection of our irreplaceable heritage becomes as important as its use the price of economic growth need not and will not be deterioration in the quality of our lives and our surroundings second because there are no local or state boundaries to the problems of our environment the federal government must play an active positive role we can and will set standards and exercise leadership we are providing necessary funding support and we will provide encouragement and incentive for others to help with the job but washington must not displace state and local initiative and we shall expect the state and local with the private sector to play the central role in making the difficult particular decisions which lie ahead third the costs of pollution should be more fully met in the free marketplace not in the federal budget for example the price of pollution control devices for automobiles should be borne by the owner and the user and not by the general taxpayer the costs of eliminating pollution should be reflected in the costs of goods and services fourth we must realize that each individual must take the responsibility for after his own home and workplace these daily surroundings are the environment where most americans spend most of their time they reflect people pride in themselves and their consideration for their communities a person backyard is not the domain of the federal government finally we must remain confident that america technological and economic ingenuity will be equal to our environmental challenges we will not look upon these challenges as insurmountable obstacles instead we shall convert the crisis of the environment into an opportunity for unprecedented progress controlling pollution we have made great progress in developing the laws and institutions to clean up pollution we now have formidable new tools to protect against air water and noise pollution and the special problem of pesticides but to protect ourselves fully from harmful contaminants we must still close several gaps in governmental authority i was keenly disappointed when the last congress failed to take action on many of my legislative requests related to our natural resources and environment in the coming weeks i shall once again send these urgently needed proposals to the congress so that the unfinished environmental business of the 92nd congress can become the environmental achievements of the 93rd among these 19 proposals are eight whose passage would give us much greater control over the sources of pollution toxic substances many new chemicals can pose hazards to humans and the environment and are not well regulated authority is now needed to provide adequate testing standards for chemical substances and to restrict or prevent their distribution if testing confirms a hazard hazardous wastes land disposal of hazardous wastes has always been widely practiced but is now becoming more prevalent because of strict air and water pollution control programs the disposal of the extremely hazardous wastes which endanger the health of humans and other organisms is a problem requiring direct federal regulation for other hazardous wastes federal standards should be established with guidelines for state regulatory programs to carry them out safe drinking water federal action is also needed to stimulate greater state and local action to ensure high standards for our drinking water we should establish national drinking water standards with primary enforcement and monitoring powers retained by the state and local agencies as well as a federal requirement that suppliers notify their customers of the quality of their water oxides emissions charge we now have national standards to help curtail sulfur emitted into the atmosphere from combustion refining smelting and other processes but sulfur oxides continue to be among our most harmful air pollutants for that reason i favor legislation which would allow the federal government to impose a special financial charge on those who produce sulfur oxide emissions this legislation would also help to ensure that fuels are allocated to areas where they are most urgently needed to protect the public health sediment control sediment from soil erosion and runoff continues to be a pervasive pollutant of our waters legislation is needed to ensure that the states make the control of sediment from new construction a vital part of their water quality programs controlling environmental impacts of transportation as we have learned in recent years we urgently need a mass transportation system not only to relieve urban congestion but also to reduce the concentrations of pollution that are too often the result of our present methods of transportation thus i will continue to place high priority upon my request to permit use of the highway trust fund for mass transit purposes and to help state and local governments achieve air quality conserve energy and meet other environmental objectives united nations environmental fund last year the united nations adopted my proposal to establish a fund to coordinate and support international environmental programs my 1974 budget includes a request for 10 million as our initial contribution toward the fund goal of 100 million and i recommend authorizing legislation for this purpose ocean dumping convention along with 91 other nations the united states recently concluded an international convention calling for regulation of ocean dumping i am most anxious to obtain the advice and consent of the senate for this convention as soon as possible congressional action is also needed on several other international conventions and amendments to control oil pollution from ships in the oceans managing the land as we steadily bring our pollution problems under control more effective and sensible use of our land is rapidly emerging as among the highest of our priorities the land is our nation basic natural resource and our stewardship of this resource today will affect generations to come america land once seemed inexhaustible there was always more of it beyond the horizon until the twentieth century we displayed a carelessness about our land born of our youthful innocence and desire to expand but our land is no longer an open frontier americans not only need but also very much want to preserve diverse and beautiful landscapes to maintain essential farm lands to save wetlands and wildlife habitats to keep open recreational space near crowded population centers and to protect our shorelines and beaches our goal is to harmonize development with environmental quality and to add creatively to the beauty and worth of land already being used land use policy is a basic responsibility of state and local governments they are closer to the problems and closer to the people some localities are already reforming land use regulation a trend i hope will accelerate but because land is a national heritage the federal government must exercise leadership in land use decision processes and i am today again proposing that we provide it in the coming weeks i will ask the congress to enact a number of legislative initiatives which will help us achieve this goal national land use policy our greatest need is for comprehensive new legislation to stimulate state land use controls we especially need a national land use policy act authorizing federal assistance to encourage the states in cooperation with local governments to protect lands of critical environmental concern and to regulate the siting of key facilities such as airports highways and major private developments appropriate federal funds should be withheld from states that fail to act power plant siting an open planning process is needed to help meet our power needs while also protecting the environment we can avoid unnecessary delays with a power plant siting law which assures that electric power facilities are constructed on a timely basis but with early and thorough review of plans and specific provisions to protect the environment protection of wetlands our coastal wetlands are increasingly threatened by residential and commercial development to increase their protection i believe we should use the federal tax laws to discourage unwise development in wetlands historic preservation and rehabilitation an important part of our national heritage are those historic structures in our urban areas which should be rehabilitated and preserved not demolished to help meet this goal our tax laws should be revised to encourage rehabilitation of older buildings and we should provide federal insurance of loans to restore historic buildings for residential purposes management of public lands approximately of the nation land is considered public domain and lacks the protection of an overall management policy with environmental safeguards legislation is required to enable the secretary of the interior to protect our environmental interest on those lands legacy of parks under the legacy of parks program which i initiated in 1971 257 separate parcels of parklands and underused federal lands in all 50 states have been turned over to local control for park and recreational purposes most of these parcels are near congested urban areas so that millions of citizens can now have easy access to parklands i am pleased to announce today that 16 more parcels of federal land will soon be made available under this same program a list of the 16 properties was issued by the white house on the same day included were lands in california colorado indiana kansas michigan new york ohio rhode island texas and washington we must not be content however with just the legacy of parks program new authority is needed to revise the formula for allocating grant funds to the states from the land and water conservation fund more of these funds should be channelled to states with large urban populations mining on public lands under a statute now over a century old public lands must be transferred to private ownership at the request of any person who discovers minerals on them we thus have no effective control over mining on these properties because the public lands belong to all americans this 1872 mining act should be repealed and replaced with new legislation which i shall send to the congress mined area protection surface and underground mining can too often because serious air and water pollution as well as unnecessary destruction of wildlife habitats and aesthetic and recreational areas new legislation with stringent performance standards is required to regulate abuses of surface and underground mining in a manner compatible with the environment american agriculture a basic national resource nearly of america land is in the stewardship of the farmer and the rancher we can be grateful that farmers have been among our best conservationists over the years farmers know better than most that sound conservation means better production and improved land values more importantly no one respects and understands our soil and land better than those who make their living by the land but americans know their farmers and ranchers best for all they have done to keep us the and people in the history of mankind a agricultural economy is not only essential for environmental progress but also to provide for our burgeoning food and fiber needs my administration is not going to express its goal for farmers in confusing terms our goal instead is very simple the farmer wants has earned and deserves more freedom to make his own decisions the nation wants and needs expanded supplies of reasonably priced goods and commodities these goals are complementary both have been advanced by the basic philosophy of the agricultural act of 1970 they must be further advanced by congressional action this year the agricultural act of 1970 expires with the 1973 crop we now face the fundamental challenge of developing legislation appropriate to the economy of the 1970 over the next several months the future direction of the farm program must he discussed debated and written into law the outcome of this process will be crucial not only to farmers and ranchers but to consumers and taxpayers as well my administration fundamental approach to farm policy is to build on the forward course set by the 1970 act these principles should guide us in enacting new farm legislation farmers must be provided with greater freedom to make production and marketing decisions i have never known anyone in washington who knows better than a farmer what is in his own best interest government influence in the farm commodity marketplace must be reduced old fashioned federal intrusion is as inappropriate to today farm economy as the old mccormick reaper would be on a highly sophisticated modern farm we must allow farmers the opportunity to produce for expanding domestic demands and to continue our vigorous competition in export markets we will not accomplish that goal by telling the farmer how much he can grow or the rancher how much livestock he can raise fidelity to this principle will have the welcome effect of encouraging both fair food prices for consumers and growing income from the marketplace for farmers we must reduce the farmer dependence on government payments through increased returns from sales of farm products at home and abroad because some of our current methods of handling farm problems are outmoded the farmer has been unfairly saddled with the unflattering image of drinking primarily at the federal well let us remember that more than 93 percent of gross farm income comes directly through the marketplace farmers and ranchers are strong and independent businessmen we should expand their opportunity to exercise their strength and independence finally we need a program that will put the united states in a good posture for forthcoming trade negotiations in pursuing all of these goals we will work closely through the secretary of agriculture with the senate committee on agriculture and forestry and the house committee on agriculture to formulate and enact new legislation in areas where it is needed i believe for example that dairy support systems wheat feed grains and cotton allotments and bases some established decades ago drastically outdated they tend to be discriminatory for many farm operators it would be desirable to establish after a reasonable transition period a more equitable basis for production adjustment in the agricultural economy should such adjustment be needed in the years ahead direct federal payments should at the end of the transition period be limited to the amounts necessary to compensate farmers for withholding unneeded land from crop production as new farm legislation is debated in the months ahead i hope the congress will address this important subject with a deep appreciation of the need to keep the government off the farm as well as keeping the farmer on protecting our natural heritage an important measure of our true commitment to environmental quality is our dedication to protecting the wilderness and its inhabitants we must recognize their ecological significance and preserve them as sources of inspiration and education and we need them as places of quiet refuge and reflection important progress has been made in recent years but still further action is needed in the congress specifically i will ask the 93rd congress to direct its attention to the following areas of concern endangered species the limited scope of existing laws requires new authority to identify and protect endangered species before they are so depleted that it is too late new legislation must also make the taking of an endangered animal a federal offense predator control the widespread use of highly toxic poisons to kill coyotes and other predatory animals has spread persistent poisons to range and forest lands without adequate foresight of environmental effects i believe federal assistance is now required so that we can find better means of controlling predators without endangering other wildlife wilderness areas historically americans have always looked westward to enjoy wilderness areas today we realize that we must also preserve the remaining areas of wilderness in the east if the majority of our people are to have the full benefit of our natural glories therefore i will ask the congress to amend the legislation that established the wilderness preservation system so that more of our eastern lands can be included wild and scenic rivers new legislation is also needed to continue our expansion of the national system of wild and scenic rivers funding authorization must be increased by 20 million to complete acquisitions in seven areas and we must extend the moratorium on federal licensing for water resource projects on those rivers being considered for inclusion in the system big cypress national fresh water preserve it is our great hope that we can create a reserve of florida big cypress swamp in order to protect the outstanding wildlife in that area preserve the water supply of everglades national park and provide the nation with an outstanding recreation area prompt passage of federal legislation would allow the interior department to forestall private or commercial development and inflationary pressures that will build if we delay protecting marine fisheries current regulation of fisheries off coasts is inadequate to conserve and manage these resources legislation is needed to authorize regulation of foreign fishing off coasts to the fullest extent authorized by international agreements in addition domestic fishing should be regulated in the fisheries zone and in the high seas beyond that zone world heritage trust the united states has endorsed an international convention for a world heritage trust embodying our proposals to accord special recognition and protection to areas of the world which are of such unique natural historical or cultural value that they are a part of the heritage of all mankind i am hopeful that this convention will be ratified early in 1973 weather modification our capacity to affect the weather has grown considerably in sophistication and predictability but with this advancement has also come a new potential for endangering lives and property and causing adverse environmental effects with additional federal regulations i believe that we can minimize these dangers meeting our energy needs one of the highest priorities of my administration during the coming year will be a concern for energy supplies a concern underscored this winter by occasional fuel shortages we must face up to a stark fact in america we are now consuming more energy than we produce a year and a half ago i sent to the congress the first presidential message ever devoted to the energy question i shall soon submit a new and far more comprehensive energy message containing initiatives to ensure necessary supplies of energy at acceptable economic and environmental costs in the meantime to help meet immediate needs i have temporarily suspended import quotas on home heating oil east of the rocky mountains as we work to expand our supplies of energy we should also recognize that we must balance those efforts with our concern to preserve our environment in the past as we have sought new energy sources we have too often damaged or despoiled our land actions to avoid such damage will probably aggravate our energy problems to some extent and may lead to higher prices but all development and use of energy sources carry environmental risks and we must find ways to minimize those risks while also providing adequate supplies of energy i am fully confident that we can satisfy both of these imperatives going forward in confidence the environmental awakening of recent years has triggered substantial progress in the fight to preserve and renew the great legacies of nature unfortunately it has also triggered a certain tendency to despair some people have moved from complacency to the opposite extreme of alarmism suggesting that our pollution problems were hopeless and predicting impending ecological disaster some have suggested that we could never reconcile environmental protection with continued economic growth i reject this doomsday mentality and i hope the congress will also reject it i believe that we can meet our environmental challenges without turning our back on progress what we must do is to stop the roll up our sleeves and get on with the job the advocates of defeatism warn us of all that is wrong but i believe they underestimate this nation genius for responsive adaptability and its enormous reservoir of spirit i believe there is always a sensible middle ground between the cassandras and the pollyannas we must take our stand upon that ground i have profound respect for the enormous challenge ahead but i have even stronger respect for the capacity and character of the american people many of us have heard the adage that the last letters of the word american say i can i am confident that we can and we will meet our natural resource challenges richard nixon the white house february 15 1973
congress united states opening new congress beginning new presidential term come fresh opportunities achievement america help us consider adequately special challenges new year presenting 1973 state union message number sections two weeks ago sent first sections congress overview reporting basic state union today sound full promise today wish report congress state natural resources environment appropriate topic first substantive policy discussions state union presentation since nowhere national affairs gratifying progress urgent remaining problems time americans took natural resources largely granted example president lincoln observed state union message 1862 nation may said consist territory people laws territory part certain durability recent years however come realize territory land air water minerals like certain durability learned natural resources fragile finite many seriously damaged despoiled came office 1969 tackled problem power command encouraging evidence united states moved away environmental crisis could toward new era restoration renewal today 1973 report congress well way winning war environmental way making peace nature years progress disappointed 92nd congress failed act upon 19 key natural resources environment proposals pleased signed many proposals supported law past four years included air quality legislation strengthened water quality pesticide control legislation new authorities control noise ocean dumping regulations prevent oil spills ports waterways legislation establishing major national recreation areas america atlantic pacific gateways new york san francisco organizational front national environmental policy act 1969 reformed programs processes federal agencies given citizens greater opportunity contribute decisions made 1970 appointed first council environmental quality group provided active leadership environmental policies year established environmental protection agency national oceanic atmospheric administration provide coordinated vigorous environmental management natural resource programs still need consolidated however submit legislation congress meet need results efforts tangible measurable day day air getting cleaner virtually every one major cities levels air pollution declining month month water pollution problems also conquered noise pesticide problems coming control parklands protected wilderness areas increasing year year commitment public funds environmental programs continues grow increased last four years area water quality alone grown fact buying new facilities nearly fast construction industry build spending still money would buy us pollution control facilities expensive ones addition government battle pollution private industries assuming steadily growing share responsibility field last year industrial spending pollution control jumped 50 percent year could reach much 5 billion nations regardless economic systems share extent environmental problem vigorous united states leadership joint efforts solve global problem showing results united nations adopted american proposal special environmental fund coordinate support international environmental programs 92 nations concluded international convention control ocean dumping wastes agreement forged intergovernmental maritime consultative organization end intentional discharge oil ships ocean objective first recommended administration adopted nato committee challenges modern society representatives almost 70 countries meeting washington week initiative draft treaty protect endangered species plant animal wildlife environmental cooperation agreement signed moscow last year makes two world greatest industrial powers allies pollution another agreement concluded last year canada help clean great lakes domestically also proud steady progress made improving quality life rural agricultural america beginning break away old rigid system controls eroded farmer freedom government intrusion marketplace new flexibility permitted agricultural act 1970 enabled us help expand farm markets take advantage opportunity increase exports almost 60 percent three years net farm income high billion 1971 19 billion 1972 principles guide us record something stand something build field natural resources environment intend build diligently well strive transform concern action efforts guided five basic principles first principle must strike balance protection irreplaceable heritage becomes important use price economic growth need deterioration quality lives surroundings second local state boundaries problems environment federal government must play active positive role set standards exercise leadership providing necessary funding support provide encouragement incentive others help job washington must displace state local initiative shall expect state local private sector play central role making difficult particular decisions lie ahead third costs pollution fully met free marketplace federal budget example price pollution control devices automobiles borne owner user general taxpayer costs eliminating pollution reflected costs goods services fourth must realize individual must take responsibility home workplace daily surroundings environment americans spend time reflect people pride consideration communities person backyard domain federal government finally must remain confident america technological economic ingenuity equal environmental challenges look upon challenges insurmountable obstacles instead shall convert crisis environment opportunity unprecedented progress controlling pollution made great progress developing laws institutions clean pollution formidable new tools protect air water noise pollution special problem pesticides protect fully harmful contaminants must still close several gaps governmental authority keenly disappointed last congress failed take action many legislative requests related natural resources environment coming weeks shall send urgently needed proposals congress unfinished environmental business 92nd congress become environmental achievements 93rd among 19 proposals eight whose passage would give us much greater control sources pollution toxic substances many new chemicals pose hazards humans environment well regulated authority needed provide adequate testing standards chemical substances restrict prevent distribution testing confirms hazard hazardous wastes land disposal hazardous wastes always widely practiced becoming prevalent strict air water pollution control programs disposal extremely hazardous wastes endanger health humans organisms problem requiring direct federal regulation hazardous wastes federal standards established guidelines state regulatory programs carry safe drinking water federal action also needed stimulate greater state local action ensure high standards drinking water establish national drinking water standards primary enforcement monitoring powers retained state local agencies well federal requirement suppliers notify customers quality water oxides emissions charge national standards help curtail sulfur emitted atmosphere combustion refining smelting processes sulfur oxides continue among harmful air pollutants reason favor legislation would allow federal government impose special financial charge produce sulfur oxide emissions legislation would also help ensure fuels allocated areas urgently needed protect public health sediment control sediment soil erosion runoff continues pervasive pollutant waters legislation needed ensure states make control sediment new construction vital part water quality programs controlling environmental impacts transportation learned recent years urgently need mass transportation system relieve urban congestion also reduce concentrations pollution often result present methods transportation thus continue place high priority upon request permit use highway trust fund mass transit purposes help state local governments achieve air quality conserve energy meet environmental objectives united nations environmental fund last year united nations adopted proposal establish fund coordinate support international environmental programs 1974 budget includes request 10 million initial contribution toward fund goal 100 million recommend authorizing legislation purpose ocean dumping convention along 91 nations united states recently concluded international convention calling regulation ocean dumping anxious obtain advice consent senate convention soon possible congressional action also needed several international conventions amendments control oil pollution ships oceans managing land steadily bring pollution problems control effective sensible use land rapidly emerging among highest priorities land nation basic natural resource stewardship resource today affect generations come america land seemed inexhaustible always beyond horizon twentieth century displayed carelessness land born youthful innocence desire expand land longer open frontier americans need also much want preserve diverse beautiful landscapes maintain essential farm lands save wetlands wildlife habitats keep open recreational space near crowded population centers protect shorelines beaches goal harmonize development environmental quality add creatively beauty worth land already used land use policy basic responsibility state local governments closer problems closer people localities already reforming land use regulation trend hope accelerate land national heritage federal government must exercise leadership land use decision processes today proposing provide coming weeks ask congress enact number legislative initiatives help us achieve goal national land use policy greatest need comprehensive new legislation stimulate state land use controls especially need national land use policy act authorizing federal assistance encourage states cooperation local governments protect lands critical environmental concern regulate siting key facilities airports highways major private developments appropriate federal funds withheld states fail act power plant siting open planning process needed help meet power needs also protecting environment avoid unnecessary delays power plant siting law assures electric power facilities constructed timely basis early thorough review plans specific provisions protect environment protection wetlands coastal wetlands increasingly threatened residential commercial development increase protection believe use federal tax laws discourage unwise development wetlands historic preservation rehabilitation important part national heritage historic structures urban areas rehabilitated preserved demolished help meet goal tax laws revised encourage rehabilitation older buildings provide federal insurance loans restore historic buildings residential purposes management public lands approximately nation land considered public domain lacks protection overall management policy environmental safeguards legislation required enable secretary interior protect environmental interest lands legacy parks legacy parks program initiated 1971 257 separate parcels parklands underused federal lands 50 states turned local control park recreational purposes parcels near congested urban areas millions citizens easy access parklands pleased announce today 16 parcels federal land soon made available program list 16 properties issued white house day included lands california colorado indiana kansas michigan new york ohio rhode island texas washington must content however legacy parks program new authority needed revise formula allocating grant funds states land water conservation fund funds channelled states large urban populations mining public lands statute century old public lands must transferred private ownership request person discovers minerals thus effective control mining properties public lands belong americans 1872 mining act repealed replaced new legislation shall send congress mined area protection surface underground mining often serious air water pollution well unnecessary destruction wildlife habitats aesthetic recreational areas new legislation stringent performance standards required regulate abuses surface underground mining manner compatible environment american agriculture basic national resource nearly america land stewardship farmer rancher grateful farmers among best conservationists years farmers know better sound conservation means better production improved land values importantly one respects understands soil land better make living land americans know farmers ranchers best done keep us people history mankind agricultural economy essential environmental progress also provide burgeoning food fiber needs administration going express goal farmers confusing terms goal instead simple farmer wants earned deserves freedom make decisions nation wants needs expanded supplies reasonably priced goods commodities goals complementary advanced basic philosophy agricultural act 1970 must advanced congressional action year agricultural act 1970 expires 1973 crop face fundamental challenge developing legislation appropriate economy 1970 next several months future direction farm program must discussed debated written law outcome process crucial farmers ranchers consumers taxpayers well administration fundamental approach farm policy build forward course set 1970 act principles guide us enacting new farm legislation farmers must provided greater freedom make production marketing decisions never known anyone washington knows better farmer best interest government influence farm commodity marketplace must reduced old fashioned federal intrusion inappropriate today farm economy old mccormick reaper would highly sophisticated modern farm must allow farmers opportunity produce expanding domestic demands continue vigorous competition export markets accomplish goal telling farmer much grow rancher much livestock raise fidelity principle welcome effect encouraging fair food prices consumers growing income marketplace farmers must reduce farmer dependence government payments increased returns sales farm products home abroad current methods handling farm problems outmoded farmer unfairly saddled unflattering image drinking primarily federal well let us remember 93 percent gross farm income comes directly marketplace farmers ranchers strong independent businessmen expand opportunity exercise strength independence finally need program put united states good posture forthcoming trade negotiations pursuing goals work closely secretary agriculture senate committee agriculture forestry house committee agriculture formulate enact new legislation areas needed believe example dairy support systems wheat feed grains cotton allotments bases established decades ago drastically outdated tend discriminatory many farm operators would desirable establish reasonable transition period equitable basis production adjustment agricultural economy adjustment needed years ahead direct federal payments end transition period limited amounts necessary compensate farmers withholding unneeded land crop production new farm legislation debated months ahead hope congress address important subject deep appreciation need keep government farm well keeping farmer protecting natural heritage important measure true commitment environmental quality dedication protecting wilderness inhabitants must recognize ecological significance preserve sources inspiration education need places quiet refuge reflection important progress made recent years still action needed congress specifically ask 93rd congress direct attention following areas concern endangered species limited scope existing laws requires new authority identify protect endangered species depleted late new legislation must also make taking endangered animal federal offense predator control widespread use highly toxic poisons kill coyotes predatory animals spread persistent poisons range forest lands without adequate foresight environmental effects believe federal assistance required find better means controlling predators without endangering wildlife wilderness areas historically americans always looked westward enjoy wilderness areas today realize must also preserve remaining areas wilderness east majority people full benefit natural glories therefore ask congress amend legislation established wilderness preservation system eastern lands included wild scenic rivers new legislation also needed continue expansion national system wild scenic rivers funding authorization must increased 20 million complete acquisitions seven areas must extend moratorium federal licensing water resource projects rivers considered inclusion system big cypress national fresh water preserve great hope create reserve florida big cypress swamp order protect outstanding wildlife area preserve water supply everglades national park provide nation outstanding recreation area prompt passage federal legislation would allow interior department forestall private commercial development inflationary pressures build delay protecting marine fisheries current regulation fisheries coasts inadequate conserve manage resources legislation needed authorize regulation foreign fishing coasts fullest extent authorized international agreements addition domestic fishing regulated fisheries zone high seas beyond zone world heritage trust united states endorsed international convention world heritage trust embodying proposals accord special recognition protection areas world unique natural historical cultural value part heritage mankind hopeful convention ratified early 1973 weather modification capacity affect weather grown considerably sophistication predictability advancement also come new potential endangering lives property causing adverse environmental effects additional federal regulations believe minimize dangers meeting energy needs one highest priorities administration coming year concern energy supplies concern underscored winter occasional fuel shortages must face stark fact america consuming energy produce year half ago sent congress first presidential message ever devoted energy question shall soon submit new far comprehensive energy message containing initiatives ensure necessary supplies energy acceptable economic environmental costs meantime help meet immediate needs temporarily suspended import quotas home heating oil east rocky mountains work expand supplies energy also recognize must balance efforts concern preserve environment past sought new energy sources often damaged despoiled land actions avoid damage probably aggravate energy problems extent may lead higher prices development use energy sources carry environmental risks must find ways minimize risks also providing adequate supplies energy fully confident satisfy imperatives going forward confidence environmental awakening recent years triggered substantial progress fight preserve renew great legacies nature unfortunately also triggered certain tendency despair people moved complacency opposite extreme alarmism suggesting pollution problems hopeless predicting impending ecological disaster suggested could never reconcile environmental protection continued economic growth reject doomsday mentality hope congress also reject believe meet environmental challenges without turning back progress must stop roll sleeves get job advocates defeatism warn us wrong believe underestimate nation genius responsive adaptability enormous reservoir spirit believe always sensible middle ground cassandras pollyannas must take stand upon ground profound respect enormous challenge ahead even stronger respect capacity character american people many us heard adage last letters word american say confident meet natural resource challenges richard nixon white house february 15 1973
congress united state open new congress begin new presidential term come fresh opportunity achievement america help u consider adequately special challenge new year presenting 1973 state union message number section two week ago send first section congress overview report basic state union today sound full promise today wish report congress state natural resource environment appropriate topic first substantive policy discussion state union presentation since nowhere national affair gratify progress urgent remain problem time american take natural resource largely granted example president lincoln observe state union message 1862 nation may say consist territory people law territory part certain durability recent year however come realize territory land air water mineral like certain durability learn natural resource fragile finite many seriously damage despoil come office 1969 tackle problem power command encourage evidence united state move away environmental crisis could toward new era restoration renewal today 1973 report congress well way win war environmental way make peace nature year progress disappoint 92nd congress fail act upon 19 key natural resource environment proposal please sign many proposal support law past four year include air quality legislation strengthen water quality pesticide control legislation new authority control noise ocean dump regulation prevent oil spill port waterway legislation establish major national recreation area america atlantic pacific gateways new york san francisco organizational front national environmental policy act 1969 reform program process federal agency give citizen great opportunity contribute decision make 1970 appoint first council environmental quality group provide active leadership environmental policy year establish environmental protection agency national oceanic atmospheric administration provide coordinate vigorous environmental management natural resource program still need consolidated however submit legislation congress meet need result effort tangible measurable day day air get clean virtually every one major city level air pollution decline month month water pollution problem also conquer noise pesticide problem come control parklands protected wilderness area increase year year commitment public fund environmental program continue grow increase last four year area water quality alone grown fact buy new facility nearly fast construction industry build spending still money would buy u pollution control facility expensive one addition government battle pollution private industry assume steadily grow share responsibility field last year industrial spending pollution control jump 50 percent year could reach much 5 billion nation regardless economic system share extent environmental problem vigorous united state leadership joint effort solve global problem show result united nation adopt american proposal special environmental fund coordinate support international environmental program 92 nation conclude international convention control ocean dump waste agreement forge intergovernmental maritime consultative organization end intentional discharge oil ship ocean objective first recommend administration adopt nato committee challenge modern society representative almost 70 country meet washington week initiative draft treaty protect endanger specie plant animal wildlife environmental cooperation agreement sign moscow last year make two world great industrial power ally pollution another agreement conclude last year canada help clean great lake domestically also proud steady progress make improve quality life rural agricultural america begin break away old rigid system control erode farmer freedom government intrusion marketplace new flexibility permit agricultural act 1970 enable u help expand farm market take advantage opportunity increase export almost 60 percent three year net farm income high billion 1971 19 billion 1972 principle guide u record something stand something build field natural resource environment intend build diligently well strive transform concern action effort guide five basic principle first principle must strike balance protection irreplaceable heritage become important use price economic growth need deterioration quality live surroundings second local state boundary problem environment federal government must play active positive role set standard exercise leadership provide necessary funding support provide encouragement incentive others help job washington must displace state local initiative shall expect state local private sector play central role make difficult particular decision lie ahead third cost pollution fully meet free marketplace federal budget example price pollution control device automobile bear owner user general taxpayer cost eliminate pollution reflect cost good service fourth must realize individual must take responsibility home workplace daily surroundings environment american spend time reflect people pride consideration community person backyard domain federal government finally must remain confident america technological economic ingenuity equal environmental challenge look upon challenge insurmountable obstacle instead shall convert crisis environment opportunity unprecedented progress control pollution make great progress develop law institution clean pollution formidable new tool protect air water noise pollution special problem pesticide protect fully harmful contaminant must still close several gap governmental authority keenly disappoint last congress fail take action many legislative request related natural resource environment come week shall send urgently need proposal congress unfinished environmental business 92nd congress become environmental achievement 93rd among 19 proposal eight whose passage would give u much great control source pollution toxic substance many new chemical pose hazard human environment well regulate authority need provide adequate testing standard chemical substance restrict prevent distribution test confirms hazard hazardous waste land disposal hazardous waste always widely practice become prevalent strict air water pollution control program disposal extremely hazardous waste endanger health human organisms problem require direct federal regulation hazardous waste federal standard establish guideline state regulatory program carry safe drinking water federal action also need stimulate great state local action ensure high standard drink water establish national drinking water standard primary enforcement monitoring power retain state local agency well federal requirement supplier notify customer quality water oxide emission charge national standard help curtail sulfur emit atmosphere combustion refine smelt process sulfur oxide continue among harmful air pollutant reason favor legislation would allow federal government impose special financial charge produce sulfur oxide emission legislation would also help ensure fuel allocate area urgently need protect public health sediment control sediment soil erosion runoff continue pervasive pollutant water legislation need ensure state make control sediment new construction vital part water quality program control environmental impact transportation learn recent year urgently need mass transportation system relieve urban congestion also reduce concentration pollution often result present method transportation thus continue place high priority upon request permit use highway trust fund mass transit purpose help state local government achieve air quality conserve energy meet environmental objective united nation environmental fund last year unite nation adopt proposal establish fund coordinate support international environmental program 1974 budget include request 10 million initial contribution toward fund goal 100 million recommend authorize legislation purpose ocean dump convention along 91 nation united state recently conclude international convention call regulation ocean dump anxious obtain advice consent senate convention soon possible congressional action also need several international convention amendment control oil pollution ship oceans manage land steadily bring pollution problem control effective sensible use land rapidly emerge among high priority land nation basic natural resource stewardship resource today affect generation come america land seem inexhaustible always beyond horizon twentieth century display carelessness land bear youthful innocence desire expand land longer open frontier american need also much want preserve diverse beautiful landscape maintain essential farm land save wetland wildlife habitat keep open recreational space near crowd population center protect shoreline beach goal harmonize development environmental quality add creatively beauty worth land already use land use policy basic responsibility state local government closer problem closer people locality already reform land use regulation trend hope accelerate land national heritage federal government must exercise leadership land use decision process today propose provide come week ask congress enact number legislative initiative help u achieve goal national land use policy great need comprehensive new legislation stimulate state land use control especially need national land use policy act authorize federal assistance encourage state cooperation local government protect land critical environmental concern regulate sit key facility airports highway major private development appropriate federal fund withhold state fail act power plant sit open plan process need help meet power need also protect environment avoid unnecessary delay power plant sit law assures electric power facility construct timely basis early thorough review plan specific provision protect environment protection wetlands coastal wetland increasingly threaten residential commercial development increase protection believe use federal tax law discourage unwise development wetland historic preservation rehabilitation important part national heritage historic structure urban area rehabilitate preserve demolished help meet goal tax law revise encourage rehabilitation old building provide federal insurance loan restore historic building residential purpose management public land approximately nation land consider public domain lack protection overall management policy environmental safeguard legislation require enable secretary interior protect environmental interest land legacy park legacy parks program initiate 1971 257 separate parcel parkland underused federal land 50 state turn local control park recreational purpose parcel near congested urban area million citizen easy access parkland pleased announce today 16 parcel federal land soon make available program list 16 property issue white house day include land california colorado indiana kansas michigan new york ohio rhode island texas washington must content however legacy park program new authority need revise formula allocate grant fund state land water conservation fund fund channel state large urban population mine public land statute century old public land must transfer private ownership request person discovers mineral thus effective control mining property public land belong american 1872 mining act repeal replaced new legislation shall send congress mine area protection surface underground mining often serious air water pollution well unnecessary destruction wildlife habitat aesthetic recreational area new legislation stringent performance standard require regulate abuse surface underground mining manner compatible environment american agriculture basic national resource nearly america land stewardship farmer rancher grateful farmer among best conservationist year farmer know good sound conservation mean good production improve land value importantly one respect understand soil land well make living land american know farmer rancher best do keep u people history mankind agricultural economy essential environmental progress also provide burgeon food fiber need administration go express goal farmer confuse term goal instead simple farmer want earn deserves freedom make decision nation want need expanded supply reasonably price good commodity goal complementary advanced basic philosophy agricultural act 1970 must advance congressional action year agricultural act 1970 expire 1973 crop face fundamental challenge develop legislation appropriate economy 1970 next several month future direction farm program must discuss debate write law outcome process crucial farmer rancher consumer taxpayer well administration fundamental approach farm policy build forward course set 1970 act principle guide u enact new farm legislation farmer must provide great freedom make production marketing decision never know anyone washington know well farmer best interest government influence farm commodity marketplace must reduce old fashion federal intrusion inappropriate today farm economy old mccormick reaper would highly sophisticated modern farm must allow farmer opportunity produce expand domestic demand continue vigorous competition export market accomplish goal tell farmer much grow rancher much livestock raise fidelity principle welcome effect encourage fair food price consumer grow income marketplace farmer must reduce farmer dependence government payment increase return sale farm product home abroad current method handle farm problem outmode farmer unfairly saddle unflattering image drink primarily federal well let u remember 93 percent gross farm income come directly marketplace farmer rancher strong independent businessmen expand opportunity exercise strength independence finally need program put united state good posture forthcoming trade negotiation pursue goal work closely secretary agriculture senate committee agriculture forestry house committee agriculture formulate enact new legislation area need believe example dairy support system wheat feed grain cotton allotment base establish decade ago drastically outdated tend discriminatory many farm operator would desirable establish reasonable transition period equitable basis production adjustment agricultural economy adjustment need year ahead direct federal payment end transition period limit amount necessary compensate farmer withhold unneeded land crop production new farm legislation debate month ahead hope congress address important subject deep appreciation need keep government farm well keep farmer protect natural heritage important measure true commitment environmental quality dedication protect wilderness inhabitant must recognize ecological significance preserve source inspiration education need place quiet refuge reflection important progress make recent year still action need congress specifically ask 93rd congress direct attention follow area concern endanger specie limit scope exist law require new authority identify protect endanger specie deplete late new legislation must also make take endanger animal federal offense predator control widespread use highly toxic poison kill coyotes predatory animal spread persistent poison range forest land without adequate foresight environmental effect believe federal assistance require find well mean control predator without endanger wildlife wilderness area historically americans always look westward enjoy wilderness area today realize must also preserve remain area wilderness east majority people full benefit natural glory therefore ask congress amend legislation establish wilderness preservation system eastern land included wild scenic river new legislation also need continue expansion national system wild scenic river fund authorization must increase 20 million complete acquisition seven area must extend moratorium federal licensing water resource project river consider inclusion system big cypress national fresh water preserve great hope create reserve florida big cypress swamp order protect outstanding wildlife area preserve water supply everglades national park provide nation outstanding recreation area prompt passage federal legislation would allow interior department forestall private commercial development inflationary pressure build delay protect marine fishery current regulation fishery coast inadequate conserve manage resource legislation need authorize regulation foreign fishing coast fullest extent authorize international agreement addition domestic fishing regulate fishery zone high sea beyond zone world heritage trust united state endorse international convention world heritage trust embody proposal accord special recognition protection area world unique natural historical cultural value part heritage mankind hopeful convention ratify early 1973 weather modification capacity affect weather grown considerably sophistication predictability advancement also come new potential endangering live property cause adverse environmental effect additional federal regulation believe minimize danger meet energy need one high priority administration come year concern energy supply concern underscored winter occasional fuel shortage must face stark fact america consume energy produce year half ago send congress first presidential message ever devote energy question shall soon submit new far comprehensive energy message contain initiative ensure necessary supply energy acceptable economic environmental cost meantime help meet immediate need temporarily suspend import quota home heating oil east rocky mountain work expand supply energy also recognize must balance effort concern preserve environment past seek new energy source often damage despoil land action avoid damage probably aggravate energy problem extent may lead high price development use energy source carry environmental risk must find way minimize risk also provide adequate supply energy fully confident satisfy imperative go forward confidence environmental awakening recent year trigger substantial progress fight preserve renew great legacy nature unfortunately also trigger certain tendency despair people move complacency opposite extreme alarmism suggest pollution problem hopeless predict impend ecological disaster suggest could never reconcile environmental protection continue economic growth reject doomsday mentality hope congress also reject believe meet environmental challenge without turn back progress must stop roll sleeve get job advocate defeatism warn u wrong believe underestimate nation genius responsive adaptability enormous reservoir spirit believe always sensible middle ground cassandra pollyannas must take stand upon ground profound respect enormous challenge ahead even strong respect capacity character american people many u hear adage last letter word american say confident meet natural resource challenge richard nixon white house february 15 1973