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Commerce, acting through NO A A, to establish marine sanctuaries 

 wliere, among other things, dumping would not be permitted. We 

 wholeheartedly agree that dumping should not be permitted in given 

 areas and have provided authority for the Administrator to take ef- 

 fective action to achieve such an end by simply not issuing any per- 

 mits for dumping in such areas. As he desired, the Administrator 

 could designate recommended sites for dumping and thereafter only 

 grant permits relating to such sites. 



I would not wish to neglect research needs in my comments. As our 

 report pointed out, serious information deficiencies exist, and research 

 is required in such broad and diverse areas as the pathways of waste 

 materials in marine ecosystems and the recycling of wastes and the 

 development of alternatives to ocean dumping. Agencies such as EPA, 

 NOAA, and the Coast Guard have authority and have presently oper- 

 ating programs to gain such information. Implementing an ocean- 

 dumping policy by enactment of appropriate legislation would provide 

 a focus for a cooperative research effort. The Council is presently en- 

 tering upon a study of recycling to evaluate the policy options avail- 

 able in that area. Other such efforts will be stepped up. 



My remarks have been extensive and I would not wish to prolong 

 them further except to comment briefly on our international efforts and 

 prospects in this area. Through domestic legislation such as that which 

 we have proposed, in my judgment very effective action can be taken 

 to curb the present and potentially harmful effects of ocean dumping. 

 Further, such action can be taken consistent with accepted principles 

 of international law. Very nearly all of our problems in the United 

 States with ocean dumping arise as a result of disposing of waste mate- 

 rial which originates within the United States. 



We can and should through domestic legislation control the trans- 

 port for dumping of such material. We can and should also control 

 all dumping in our territorial sea and dumping in our contiguous zone 

 which affects our territory or territorial sea. And, as the President has 

 stated, we will urge other nations to adopt similar measures and en- 

 force them. But, a completely effective system for the control of ocean 

 dumping would involve regulation of at least all harmful materials, 

 wherever they may be generated, and wherever and by whomever 

 they may be dumped. 



The administration bill contains a section requiring the Secretary 

 of State to "seek effective international action and cooperation to in- 

 sure protection of the marine environment. . . ." State, in conjunc- 

 tion with the Council and other concerned agencies, is taking steps to 

 assure accomplishment of this objective. We anticipate tha.t the 1972 

 United Nations Stockholm Conference on the Environment will be a 

 useful forum in this respect. 



If the United States is in fact to exercise leadership in this critical 

 area, if it is to persuade other nations to control their ocean disposal 

 of wastes, then it is essential that the United States first put its own 

 house in order. In my opinion, prompt and favorable action by Con- 

 gress to establish effective regulation of ocean dumping is a pre- 

 requisite to action by other nations. 



Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That concludes my prepared statement. 



Mr. Lennon. Thank you, Mr. Train. I personally do not think that 



