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inclusive and open process creates a model that implicitly 

 solicits the range of values necessary to define "reasonable". 



A final issue that has gotten recent attention is the future 

 role of the Grand Canyon Visibility Transport Commission. It 

 should be noted that the Commission does not necessarily 

 terminate after its recommendations are made to the EPA 

 Administrator. Its future will depend on whether it will have a 

 legitimate role in the administration of regional haze 

 regulations. The answer to this question will likely be a 

 function of the type of regional haze program it recommends and 

 the resultant program adopted by EPA. There may be no role for a 

 Commission in a program that is a simple extensions of existing 

 EPA regulations. On the other hand, if the program evolves as a 

 new regional concept there may be a role for a regional body. 

 However, one facet of the Commission's process that may be key 

 to the successful implementation of any program is its 

 collaborative, broad based approach to decision making. 

 Preserving this process may require the maintenance of a regional 

 body. 



To summarize and address many of the issues raised above we 

 offer the following recommendations: 



• All efforts me made to adequately fund the Grand Canyon 

 Visibility Transport Commission. Appropriate funding will ensure 

 the credibility of the Commission's process and provide a sound 

 information base for the development of regional haze regulations 

 by EPA likely at far less cost than a separate research and 

 rulemaking effort. 



• Regional haze regulations should not be promulgated by 

 EPA until the Commission completes its work. Again, the 

 Commission should be considered a resource by EPA. 



• In order to ensure the adequacy of future regional haze 

 research, a multiagency agency visibility research program should 

 be established and funded through a line item appropriation. The 

 establishment of this unit would lead to an integrated effort and 

 would prevent visibility from being pushed to the bottom of 

 agency priorities . Membership should include EPA, the U.S. Park 

 Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wild 

 Life Service and the U.S. Park Service. 



• EPA should be encouraged to maintain a visibility 

 research presence in the West. The availability of the resource 

 and an understanding of issues unique to the West are important 

 factors for supporting Commission efforts. 



