256 



In its declaration of policy, this legislation seeks "to preserve, pro- 

 tect, develop, and where possible to restore the resources of the Nation's 

 coastal zone for this and succeeding generations." May I point out 

 that such a goal has largely been achieved in my own State. I am proud 

 of that accomplishment. 



In an effort to meet this challenge of our coastal zones' needs, Gov. 

 Russell W. Peterson and the Delaware Legislature wrote legislation 

 that established strict controls over development along the coastal 

 zone of the entire State. This was the Delaware Coastal Zone Act of 

 1971. This law has been hailed by many conservation groups as among 

 the most significant steps toward environmental excellence ever taken 

 by a State. 



Largely as a result of this legislation. Governor Peterson of Dela- 

 ware was recently honored as 1971 conservationist of the year by the 

 National Wildlife Federation. This distinguished award was made to 

 the Governor for his 'outstanding contributions to the wise use and 

 management of the Nation's natural resources." 



This great honor is one that Governor Peterson richly deserved, 

 for he has demonstrated tremendous knowledge and understanding of 

 the environmental challenge our Nation faces. 



The Saturday Review magazine recently carried an extensive inter- 

 view on this subject with Governor Peterson. I think the interview is 

 a most interesting one and very timely, particularly in view of the 

 Senate's consideration of his legislation today. Therefore, Mr. Presi- 

 dent, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the interview, "Show- 

 down on Delaware Bay," be printed at the conclusion of my remarks. 



Mr. President, I wish to close my remarks by reiterating my support 

 for S. 3507, It is important legislation. It is legislation that is neces- 

 sary if our Nation is to utilize our coastal and estuarine areas in the 

 best possible manner. 



There being no objection, the text of the interview was ordered to 

 be printed in the Recx)rd as follows : 



Showdown on Delaware Bay 

 (An interview with Gov. Russell W. Peterson by Sally Lindsay) 



A drama is unfolding in Delaware that on one level involves a straightforward 

 conflict over Ir.nd and water use but on another reflects the current debate over 

 national priorities. At stake is the future of Delaware Bay and the state's coastal 

 areas. Heightening the conflict is the arrival of the era of supertankers and an 

 accident of geography. 



Delaware, the country's second smallest state, is best known as the home of the 

 Du Pont family and as a favored location for business incorporation — some 70.000 

 United States companies are chartered there. Furthermore, Delaware has a price- 

 less natural asset that has made the state the object of not entirely welcome no- 

 tice : its bay. 



Delaware Bay is one of three spots along the entire United States Atlantic 

 Coast with water deep enough to accommodate supertankers of 2.^0,000 to 350.000 

 dead-weight tons. Now going into service, these vessels have drafts of sixty-five 

 to eighty-five feet. The other deepwater .<5ites are Long Island Sound off Montauk, 

 New York, and Machiasport, Maine. Deep water plus open land and ready access 

 to the major population centers of the Middle Atlantic States have combined to 

 make the lower Delaware Bay region irresistible to entrepreneurs relying on the 

 use of supertankers. 



The state thus attracted nationwide attention when its Republican Governor. 

 Russell W. Peterson, signed the Delaware Coastal Zone Act of 1971 that barred 

 heavy manufacturing industry from locating in a two-mile-wide strip along the 

 state's 115-mile coastline. The first state law of its kind, it specifically banned oil 



