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Both our national environmental ethic and the nature of the eco- 

 system itself tell us that the President's Cabinet currently is in- 

 complete. In today's world, a successful strategy for any public 

 policy issue requires a holistic perspective that crosses traditional 

 department boundaries. There is virtually no such thing as a policy 

 or problem that does not have environmental aspects or that is 

 simply environmental. A sound approach to the environment is es- 

 sential to the success and sustainability of our Nation's economic, 

 social, and trade policies. 



The President's Cabinet must be able to function as a collabora- 

 tive and interdependent mechanism, integrating the best public 

 policy-making across department lines. It is not enough that envi- 

 ronmental considerations be part of Cabinet decisions and discus- 

 sions. The environment must be there in its own right as an equal 

 priority and member. 



Any student of democracy and public policy would acknowledge a 

 missing building block in the top tier of the Federal Government. 

 Currently, EPA sits in the Cabinet room, but only at the Presi- 

 dent's invitation. It is time for a permanent chair at the table, in- 

 stitutionalizing the environment as a critical ingredient in the mix 

 of all Federal decision-making. 



As our children, pre-kindergarten through college, study the 

 structures that define our democracy and Government, I want to 

 make sure that an environment department is part of their origi- 

 nal understanding of what makes our Nation strong. In addition to 

 our children, students of democracy everywhere in the world 

 should comprehend that an environment department is key to 

 America's identity. The United States should join the majority of 

 our other major partners who count an environmental minister as 

 an equal among the top government tier. Not to do so sends the 

 wrong message about our Government's priorities here at home. It 

 also prevents us from asserting the kind of leadership that the rest 

 of the world is looking to us to provide on environmental problems 

 affecting the entire planet. 



In conclusion, I assure you that I believe that the creation of an 

 environment Cabinet department means more than a new chair. 

 Joining the Cabinet ensures direct access to the President and, con- 

 sequently, a voice on behalf of industry seeking to mesh environ- 

 mental and business concerns and citizens concerned about the en- 

 vironment their children will inherit. 



An environment department's involvement in the Federal Gov- 

 ernment's domestic and international agenda will improve the 

 quality and efficiency of Federal decision-making as the Cabinet 

 addresses all of the Nation's challenges. 



Finally, creation of an environmental department signals at 

 home and abroad the highest commitment of the United States to 

 environmental stewardship. S. 171 is consistent with President 

 Clinton's environmental goals. As public officials, we must judge 

 ourselves not only by what we accomplish today, but by the legacy 

 we create for tomorrow. 



Thank you for this opportunity to be here today. 



Chairman Glenn. Thank you very much. 



The President has announced his intention to abolish the Council 

 on Environmental Quality, as already was mentioned by a couple 



