107 



were to become convinced that S. 992 is not going to get anywhere 

 this year, but the coastal management bill could be passed, what 

 would be your position ? 



Mr. Train. As I said earlier to the chaimian, that is a bridge 1 

 would prefer not to have to cross at this time. Senator. I do believe 

 that there is increasing support for a national land use bill, and I 

 think that by all odds it is the most effective and most desirable way 

 for approaching land use policy. 



The administration is committed to a national land use program, 

 including the coastal zone, and I would prefer to stick to that objec- 

 tive and push for one at this time rather than speculating on what 

 would happen if we cannot get a national land use plan. 



Senator Stevens. The Senator from Oregon wants to carry on with 

 that point. 



Senator Hatfield. I appreciate the Senator from Alaska yielding 

 at this point. 



Mr. Train, first of all, for the record, as you realize, I am a co- 

 sponsor of S. 992 and I am in full sympathy with the concept ex- 

 pressed in that bill; I think perhaps that bridge is already here 

 and, therefore, it would be very helpful to this committee if you 

 would respond to this question. 



AVhat is the situation in the House of Representatives as it relates 

 to the companion bill to S. 992? And what is the present overall 

 policy of the Interior Committee of the House ? What is its situation ? 



Mr. Train. As I understand it— and I would not want to speak 

 for Chairman Aspinall and I do not pretend to — but my understand- 

 ing is that the present priority within that committee is with respect 

 to the public lands. 



Senator Hatfield. Emanating from the Public Land Law Com- 

 mission ? 



Mr, Train. Yes; it is my understanding — ^but I am not positive of 

 this, Senator — that the conmiittee would be hopeful of taking up 

 national land use policy somewhat later, following its consideration 

 of public land problems. 



Senator Hatfield. Mr. Train, is it not reasonable to make this judg- 

 ment : That the Public Land Law Eeview Commission triggered many 

 bills, not just one, but many bills. Take one, for instance, dominant 

 use, where introducing the varied concept of dominant use is not go- 

 ing to be handled quickly, without extensive hearings, and without 

 probably many bills. Is it not reasonable to make a judgment at this 

 point that there is very little likelihood that the House Interior Com- 

 mittee is going to go beyond these public land law bills upon which 

 they have put first priority? In fact, is it not almost reasonable to 

 say that it is doubtful they will even get through all of those bills ? 



So if we are looking for any kind of action from the House side 

 on a comprehensive land policy such as the companion bill to S. 992, 

 it is a pretty dismal outlook for any kind of action on that proposal 

 this session. Would you not agree that in the overall picture that is 

 a pretty fair appraisal ? 



Mr. Train. I would not want to agree to that. Senator. 



