27 



Finally, the States are not as subject to immediate sliort-riin eco- 

 nomic pressures as are local governments — but the States are still 

 closer to many problems than is the Federal Government. 



The proposed legislation would provide grants to States for the 

 development and operation of coastal zone management programs. 

 To qualify, the coastal State would be required to assume two neces- 

 sary functions : 



The preparation of comprehensive plans for the development 

 and preservation of its estuarine and coastal zone, and 



The ability to regulate alterations in the submerged lands and 

 waters — and the authority, either directly or through partnership 

 with local governments, to see that local zoning conforms with a 

 statewide plan. 



The basis of this approach is to develop effective regulatory powers, 

 based on and implementing comprehensive planning. 



In the past, regulation has often lacked effective planning, and 

 much planning has lacked regulation. 



What is really needed is a national land use policy. We must estab- 

 lish procedures and mechanisms to assure that our lands and waters 

 are devoted to their highest and best use in the interests of society as 

 a whole. 



For too long the Federal Government has dealt with tough en- 

 vironmental issues either timidly, irrationally, too late, or simply 

 not at all. 



The Federal Water Pollution Control Act is one of the few excep- 

 tions. 



Our bill presents a rational balance in dealing with the difficult 

 question of land use planning and regulation. 



I would like to make one last point. Wise, multiple use of resources 

 does not mean a halt or slowdown in industrial and economic growth. 



On the contrary, I believe that estuarine and coastal areas in most 

 cases, can accommodate necessary industry and transportation facili- 

 ties, and still protect its natural resources and scenic beauty and 

 provide recreation. 



But the problem has been that uses not necessary in these areas, as 

 well as necessary, but haphazard, development have preempted im- 

 portant conservation and recreation neecls. The present system has 

 worked against sound conservation of resources, which — once lost — 

 are gone forever. 



Wise use — without abuse — is the key. 



We must wisely use our natural resources to provide suitable hous- 

 ing for our people — electrical power and transportation systems to 

 serve all our needs — large areas to enjoy the solitude of nature, and 

 areas for the preservation of living systems essential to man. As the 

 pressures of population and development continue to threaten the 

 resources of the coastal zone, we must come to grips with the institu- 

 tional causes of this phenomenon. This requires bold reform. It also 

 requires real dialog. This bill provides the reform. The hearings you 

 hold can provide the latter. 



I thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Howard. Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary, for your vovy 

 informative testimony this morning. 



