| WASHINGTON -
October 20 - Gene Karpinski, Executive
Director, U.S. Public Interest Research Group:
"This bill deserves to be vetoed, not celebrated. It contains far too many
unacceptable anti-environmental provisions that will weaken public health protections and
plunder public resources."
(Contact: Liz Hitchcock, 202-546-9707)
Rodger Schlickeisen, President, Defenders of
Wildlife:
"This Congress has enacted more anti-environmental measures than any Congress in
history. Despite the Administration's victories in removing some of the most
destructive provisions, Congress has waged so many battles against nature that `victory'
now means eliminating some of the worst assaults -- which still leaves the environment a
big net loser."
(Contact: Joan Moody, 202-682-9400x220)
John Adams, President, Natural Resources Defense
Council:
"Although it could have been worse, and nearly was, this bill is still an
environmental disaster, with a host of provisions subsidizing destruction of public lands
and undermining protection of our health and environment. The time is long
past for Congress to stop subverting the will of the American people by evading the
democratic process and moving these special interest assaults through the budget process.
Having spoken out against environmental budget riders, the President should veto
this legislation."
(Contact: Greg Wetstone, 202-289-6868)
Ken Cook, President, Environmental Working Group:
"Just two weeks ago, President Clinton got a standing ovation from 200 environmental
leaders when he promised to block anti-environmental provisions attached to the budget.
The legislation Mr. Clinton is signing and praising as pro-environment deserves a
Bronx cheer."
(Contact: Ken Cook, 202-737-4653)
Brent Blackwelder, President, Friends of the Earth:
"Congress fired a shotgun blast of anti-environmental riders and many remain in the
final bill. This is a step in the wrong direction -- towards more environmental
destruction and wasteful spending. President Clinton should veto the bill."
(Contact: Lynn Erskine, 202-783-7400)
Stephen D'Esposito, President, Mineral Policy
Center:
"Although Congress is attempting to hide its dirty work in this spending bill, it
cannot hide from the environmental damage and taxpayer-funded cleanup bills that accompany
inadequate mining regulations."
(Contact: Susan Brackett, 202-737-1872)
Debbie Sease, Legislative Director, Sierra Club:
"This was a deeply flawed process that led to a deeply flawed product. The
Omnibus Spending bill was developed and debated behind closed doors, far from public view.
President Clinton managed some damage control on the anti-environmental riders, but
the final package still does unacceptable harm to the environment."
(Contact: Holly Minch, 202-547-1144)
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