Number: 1980-01
Recognizing that consideration for the environment reached a peak in the past decade, the National Wildlife Federation looks ahead to the Eighties with increasing concern. The Nation appears preoccupied with inflation, unemployment, energy shortages, and international crises. This organization fears that protection for natural resources will be given only secondary importance to production and development unless conservationists remain united, vigorous, and dedicated as we move into a new era.
The National Wildlife Federation, as an association of independent, state organizations and their affiliated local groups and individuals, believes that an alert and fully-informed public will demand sound management of natural resources. Therefore, conservation practices must be based upon a solid foundation of public education. This requires that more conservation be taught in the schools, emphasizing the science of ecology and wise use and management of natural resources.
Contamination of the environment, related to a major degree with the production of energy, is among the most serious problems facing the United States and the world. The National Wildlife Federation, convinced that pollution abatement creates jobs rather than costing them, therefore, is dedicated to fighting environmental contamination by cleaning up public waters, reducing air pollution, curbing pollution by toxic substances, and curtailing waste of finite resources.
Energy shortages are making environmental goals more difficult to achieve. These shortages, accompanied by price increases, are aggravating problems of inflation and unemployment. They result in imbalances of international trade, adversely affect production of food and fiber and manufactured goods, and cause severe difficulties relating to transportation in addition to impacting upon American lifestyles. The National Wildlife Federation, consequently, is firm in its conviction that high priority must be given to reaching solutions to the short-term, intermediate, and long-range energy shortages.
Other primary objectives of this decade are: protective management of farmlands through sound agricultural practices and planning; the preservation of parks, wildlife refuges, wildernesses and other natural areas; wise management of wildlife, including endangered species; the encouragement of world population control; and stimulation of simpler lifestyles.
It is in light of this background that the National Wildlife Federation invites the attention of all Americans to what it considers the major conservation issues of 1980:
Fish and Wildlife. This organization continues to believe that habitat for fish and wildlife must be safeguarded, even if it means fewer roads, dams, and other forms of development such as housing and industrial areas. Conservationists must ensure funding for fisheries and wildlife research, for wildlife refuges, and for endangered species programs, spending more federal and state money for management rather than pursuing a hands-off, “let-nature-take-its course” policy. It is recognized that many animals and plants are in danger or are threatened with extinction, and the Federation believes that persons living in this age have responsibilities to future generations to ensure that as few a number of species as possible go out of existence. The United States should exert a vigorous worldwide leadership for reducing the illegal trade in wildlife which may result in further losses of endangered species.
Energy. The National Wildlife Federation continues to call for a strong national energy policy, one providing for reasonable economic growth and adequate standards of living while protecting environmental resources. More emphasis must be placed on research and development of clean alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power, biomass conversion and other renewable energy resources. It is essential that we improve the efficiency with which we use energy by such means as cutting gasoline consumption, enforcing tougher rules on thermostat settings, insisting upon home insulation and weatherizing, and encouraging the development and application of energy efficient industrial processes. This organization continues to encourage the adoption of a lower per capita energy consumption rate and more efficient use of all natural resources.
Conserving Water. Clean and abundant water supplies are becoming increasingly important for a variety of beneficial uses. Therefore, the National Wildlife Federation believes it is essential that we crack down on polluters, subsidize more municipal waste treatment plants, and provide incentives for more efficient water use. At the same time, it is necessary that the Federal Government adopt and implement principles of a sound water policy, opposing projects which fail to meet minimum economic, environmental, and safety criteria.
Land Use. The protection of prime agricultural land is essential if the United States is to help feed the world as well as our own people. Therefore, we must check urban sprawl and loss of open space, and protect soil from wasteful erosion and preserve wetlands through stringent zoning and land use laws. The Nation must protect its productive farm lands through sound soil and water practices, including those which provide fish and wildlife habitat. Pressures exerted on farmers to produce are resulting in clean farming practices which leave less habitat for wild birds and mammals. This organization supports the development of remedies, especially soil conservation practices, that will reverse this trend and improve habitat for wildlife.
Population Control. An ever-increasing human population is a basic problem gravely influencing demands upon natural resources. This organization, therefore, encourages family planning through education and economic incentives to lower birthrates in every country around the world. The Federation repeats its conviction that humans deserve pleasant and productive lives spent in healthful and stimulating environments rather than merely struggling for survival.
Air Pollution. Air pollution is a vexing problem, particularly because the harmful effects often are transmitted far from the source. The National Wildlife Federation calls upon the United States to stand tough on auto emission standards and urban growth patterns which perpetuate dependence upon automobiles. We should not bend rules on burning “dirty” coal. The continental effects of acid precipitation must be recognized. We must enforce strict controls on pollutants emitted by industry. Conservationists and environmentalists everywhere should join in efforts to improve lax pollution standards, and resist weakening amendments and/or regulations.
Natural Areas. It is essential that outstanding natural areas be identified and set aside as soon as possible as wildlife refuges, forests, parks, recreation areas, and wildernesses. In this manner, the public interest in fish and wildlife resources and scenic and recreational values may be protected and perpetuated.