466 



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These hearings represent a useful contribution to the 

 United State's efforts to formulate sound and rational controls 

 related to the potential disposal of radiological wastes in the 

 oceans. Thev provide a forxim for clarifying U.S. 



policies and program activities — both domestically and in relation to 

 the efforts of other nations and international organizations. The 

 record being developed here enhances the possibilities for effective 

 coordination of the statutory and regulatory responsibilities lodged 

 in such agencies as the Department of Energy, the Environmental 

 Protection Agency, the State Department, the Nuclear Regulatory 

 Commission, the Department of Defense, and the Department of 

 Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 

 These hearings provide the Congress with an opportunity to assess 

 the adequacy of existing domestic statutory authority. Additionally, 

 they should assist our public officials in developing a comprehen- 

 sive and explicit national policy that is a prerequisite to the 

 international pursuit of mutually acceptable approaches to pre- 

 preserving and developing the resources of our oceans. 



Finally, the public airing of this country's efforts in 

 addressing the issues associated with dispoal of radiological 

 wastes in the marine environment is essential. Given the 

 national debate which continues over the appropriateness of 

 nuclear technology in meeting our nation's energy needs, the 



