[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 124 (Thursday, September 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1744]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCTION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES INSTITUTE ACT

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                         HON. MICHAEL D. CRAPO

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 17, 1998

  Mr. CRAPO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Natural Resources 
Institute Act. This legislation will help find solutions to many of the 
problems that affect the health of our environment.
  The United States is faced with the challenge of protecting the 
environment, while maintaining economic growth. The use of our Nation's 
natural resources has resulted in a strong economy, but has left a 
legacy of fragmented land-use and regions of environmental degradation, 
including areas in my home State of Idaho. Unfortunately, there has not 
been a comprehensive and coordinated effort to address these 
environmental issues or an organized effort to help other communities 
from making similar mistakes. I believe that many of these problems 
could be avoided or remediated if the communities faced with land-use 
decisions had access to sound scientific research.
  Mr. Speaker, the Natural Resources Institute, using expertise from 
national laboratories and universities, will provide communities with 
access to sound scientific research when making environmental and land-
use decisions. In addition, the Natural Resources Institute will 
coordinate research efforts to solve real-world environmental problems. 
It will be particularly helpful in addressing problems associated with 
agriculture, logging, grazing, hydro-power, fishing, mining, 
recreation, and other natural resource activities.

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