Number: 1982-01
Concerned that scientific management of natural resources is being relegated to an importance secondary to production and development during a critical time of inflation, unemployment, energy shortages, and international crises, the National Wildlife Federation calls for conservationists throughout the country to remain vigilant, vigorous, and dedicated in united efforts to protect the environment.
An association of independent state organizations and their affiliated local groups and individuals, the National Wildlife Federation believes that an alert and fully-informed public will demand sound management of natural resources. This organization, therefore, is convinced that conservation practices must be taught as an integral part of public education, emphasizing the science of ecology and wise use management of natural resources.
It is imperative that young people and adults alike appreciate the interrelationship of resource usages. Energy shortages aggravate hunger, inflation, and unemployment. A steadily-increasing human population accentuates demands for energy, food, soil-and-water resources, and wetlands, impacting upon fish and wildlife, including endangered species. These demands result in increased air and water pollution and unfortunate and ill-advised disposals of hazardous wastes.
The National Wildlife Federation believes it is essential that suitable regulations be vigorously enforced to protect the environment, and that adequate federal funds be appropriated to implement our environmental laws. This organization is firm in its conviction that pollution abatement creates job opportunities, rather than reducing them, and is a legitimate expense of “doing business.” Further, natural resource conservation programs merit adequate federal funding.
In view of the foregoing background, the National Wildlife Federation invites the attention of all Americans to what it considers the major issues of 1982:
Environmental Regulations. The control of air and water pollution and disposition of toxic wastes, controls on strip mining, and the proper registration of pesticide poisons, because of their interstate and national impacts, is a proper function of the Federal Government, working in concert with state and local authorities. The National Wildlife Federation favors equitable and reasonably-imposed federal regulations but fears that effective administration of environmental laws is threatened by inadequate appropriations for regulatory agencies, particularly the Environmental Protection Agency. Further, this organization opposes amendments which would weaken environmental laws.
Population Control. The mounting demands from an increasing human population are aggravating resource conservation difficulties. This organization, therefore, continues to believe that governmental agencies should seek to stabilize populations in every country at replacement levels by promoting sound,, immigration policies and encouraging family planning, through education and economic incentives. It is essential that the U.S. coordinate work of its various federal agencies for the purpose of developing an effective and efficient global foresight capability.
Energy. The National Wildlife Federation re-emphasizes its support of a strong national energy policy which provides for reasonable economic growth while protecting environmental resources. The emphasis of our national energy policy should be placed upon the more efficient use of conventional fuels and the development of clean alternative, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass conversion. This organization views as essential a federal commitment to support the research and development of renewable energy sources and energy efficient buildings, industrial processes, and transportation systems. We continue to support a strong national program to promote the conservation and more efficient use of energy and the use of renewable energy resources. To that end, the federal government should bring about a more reasonable balance in its support for all energy sources and conservation strategies, by curbing the billions of dollars which every year subsidize conventional energy sources. At the same time, we oppose attempts to weaken existing programs for controlling the environmental impacts of conventional energy production, such as the present efforts to weaken federal strip mining regulations. We also continue to oppose increasing our reliance upon nuclear power until the radioactive waste disposal problems are resolved.
Endangered Species. The National Wildlife Federation continues to emphasize its conviction that civilized persons have a basic responsibility to prevent, insofar as possible, threatened or endangered species from becoming extinct, because of their own intrinsic values and because of their importance to people. This organization, therefore, calls upon wildlife conservationists to support reauthorization of the Endangered Species Act, confident that it does not unduly restrict or delay needed development. Further, the U.S. should exert a vigorous worldwide leadership for reducing the illegal trade which may result in further losses of endangered wildlife.
Habitat of millions of species of plants and animals is being lost at an alarming rate. This has global significance for loss of genetic diversity, migratory species habitat, environmental degradation, climatic impact and increasing human misery in conflict with the conservation of tropical rain forest. The previous Administration recognized this as a major global resource management problem. The National Wildlife Federation urges continuation of high priority attention to this ongoing calamity.
Acid Rain. It is essential that acid precipitation which threatens public health and property and endangers fish and wildlife, often far from the point of origin, be curbed. This organization supports tough clean air standards on discharges from coal-burning plants, smelters, and auto emissions. This organization believes that Congress should require that utilities reduce sulfur emissions that form acid rain, even if this action means raising electric rates.
Wetlands. Wetlands shelter wildlife, serve as nurseries for fish and shellfish, cleanse pollutants, control floods, serve to recharge groundwater supplies and provide recreational opportunities. Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, now under attack by developers, protects wetlands by requiring permits for dredging and filling. The National Wildlife Federation believes it is critical that the Congress reaffirm and reauthorize laws restricting developments which threaten wetlands.
Agriculture. Concerned about the ability of the U.S. to feed itself and many other peoples as well, the National Wildlife Federation believes that tougher laws and financial incentives should protect prime farmlands from conversion to other uses and from erosion. The application of sound soil-and-water practices, including those providing fish and wildlife habitat, should be encouraged.
Toxics. The exponential increase of toxic chemicals, pesticides, air pollutants, wastewater effluents and wastes threaten all living things. The National Wildlife Federation supports implementation of the laws enacted to control the introduction, use, transportation, and disposal of these toxic byproducts in our environment.
Environmental Message. The National Wildlife Federation calls upon the present Administration to strengthen rather than weaken our national environmental laws, to establish an ongoing dialogue with national environmental leaders, and to issue a Presidential message on the environment.