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ment, and development that are based on sound environffiental eco- 

 nomic, and social values must be preceded by research. The University 

 of Texas has been conducting such functional research for years. Four 

 years ago, the bureau of economic geology, the State geological survey 

 in Texas, began the preparation of an inventory of the State's land and 

 natural resources. This work began an inventory of environmental, 

 geological, and physical conditions that determine the capability of 

 the land to sustain various uses in harmony with the environment. This 

 inventory has served as the basis upon which other researchers have 

 determined population densities and trends, and made economic pro- 

 jections. The environmental health engineering investigators have 

 used this data to project the needs of sewage treatment facilities, in- 

 cluding the pollution dangers of inadequate facilities. Potential en- 

 vironmentally safe areas for solid w^aste disposal are readily deter- 

 mined from the basic data accumulated. 



This work has been completed on 20,000 square miles and is cur- 

 rently under way on an additional 30,000 square miles. This research 

 has shown that the utilization of the multidiscipline team approach in 

 environmental research is essential. 



Eesearch is also in progress at the University of Texas in an attempt 

 to find solutions for the many and varied problems that are created by 

 the need to use natural resources and maintain enviroimiental quality. 

 A detailed environmentally oriented study of surface mining in Texas 

 was undertaken at the University of Texas last year. This study is in 

 cooperation with the Texas General Land Office. 



Mr. Chairman, these are only examples of the tremendous contribu- 

 tions the University of Texas is making toward the further develop- 

 ment of coastal zones and I think this university will be recognized as 

 one of the major leaders in this field. 



Probably the greatest single problem related to coastal zone manage- 

 ment is acquiring sufficient knowledge upon which to base policy deci- 

 sions. I believe the University of Texas Marine Science Institute at 

 Port Arkansas and the planned laboratory in Galveston will put Texas 

 in a leading position to take the multifaceted approaches required for 

 proper use and management of our coastal zones. 



As early as 1935, Dr. E. J. Lund of UT, founder of the institute, 

 recognized the importance to Texas of natural resources of the gulf, 

 the uniqueness of the Texas marine environment, and the need for pub- 

 lic education and research on that environment. Today, under the lead- 

 ership of its director. Dr. Carl Oppenheimer, and his assistant, Peter 

 Perceval, the institute's staff of faculty and students is pursuing with 

 great competence and vigor the two objectives of the institute : First, 

 to encourage educational activities in the coastal environment; and 

 second, to do both basic and applied research that will allow sensible 

 use and management of the coastal environment. 

 ^ The work of this institute will, I believe, effectively lay the founda- 

 tion of Imowledge necessary to put Texas in the forefront of those 

 States which will give great emphasis to the proper care and use of 

 their coastal areas. 



It is my hope that this committee may be able to visit these facilities 

 later to see the tremendous work we have underway for the develop- 

 ment of the Texas coastal zone. 



