146 



was responsible, on the House side, for its passage and ultimate enact- 

 ment. 



It should also be noted that the first annual report of the Council on 

 Environmental Quality, in its declaration of national environmental 

 policy, said, and again I quote : 



... It is the continuing policy of the Federal Government, in cooperation 

 with State and local governments, and other concerned public and private orga- 

 nizations, to use all practical means and measures, including financial and tech- 

 nical assistance in a manner calculated to foster and promote the general welfare, 

 to create and maintain conditions under which men and nature can exist in pro- 

 ductive harmony . . . 



I am also proud to say that the Environmental Quality Council was 

 established by a law which originated in legislation introduced by our 

 distinguished chairman. Congressman Dingell, and that it was his 

 subcommittee which held hearings on the enabling legislation. 



It is natural that I am concerned about the impact of any legislation 

 on port deveolpment, since the port facilities are vital to our national 

 economy and to a healthy American maritime industry. In my own 

 State of Maryland, the Maryland Port Authority plans to spend $90 

 million in the next 10 years to improve its port facilities. Other ports 

 around the country are making similar plans for future development. 



Mr. Chairman, I am not here to plead for any select interest but I am 

 here to speak out on behalf of our national interest and for the general 

 welfare. 



America has been blessed with a wonderful abundance of natural 

 resources, which have helped to make our country great. But these 

 resources have been abused, and now that they are threatened, there is 

 a justifiable move to protect them. What we must guard against is over- 

 reaction, against an anti-industry movement which could contain the 

 seeds of destruction. After all, industry and technology have also 

 helped to make this a great nation. 



I know that Chairman Dingell and Chairman Lennon are aware of 

 the essential nature of industry, just as they are aware of the need for 

 strong environmental legislation ; and I know they will, therefore, give 

 all concerned parties a chance to present their views on this important 

 and controversial subject. 



Mr. Chairman, I am sorry that my statement has been so lengthy. 

 But there was no brief way for me to get my thoughts on such a 

 complex matter on the record. 



In the beginning of my opening statement, I said that the legislation 

 which is ultimately reported out by this committee, as a result of these 

 extensive hearings, will become landmark legislation. 



I say this because I sincerely feel that the final bill our full com- 

 mittee reports out will reflect the balanced interest of the entire com- 

 mittee, and will, therefore, be designed to promote our Nation's total 

 welfare, by protecting our environment and at the same time assuring 

 continued economic and industrial growth, not only for the immediate 

 generations but for all future Americans. 



Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Lennon. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the fine statement tliat 

 will certainly be considered in depth by the joint siibcommittees. 



I would now like to call on our good friend from Texas, an ex-mem- 

 ber of this committee, the Honorable Bob Casey. 



