[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 128 (Wednesday, September 23, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S10841]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. KEMPTHORNE:
  S. 2512. A bill to establish a National Resources Institute at the 
Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory; to the 
Committee on Environment and Public Works.


                national resources institute legislation

 Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, today I introduce the Natural 
Resources Institute legislation. Congressman Crapo, who represents the 
second Congressional district in my state of Idaho, introduced the 
Natural Resources Institute legislation in the House, on September 17, 
1998. I believe this legislation will help find solutions to many of 
the problems that affect the health of our environment.
  This country is faced with the challenge of protecting the 
environment, while maintaining economic growth. The use of our nation's 
natural resources touches all of our lives every day. However, this use 
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 if the communities faced with 
land-use decisions had access to sound scientific research.
  The Natural Resources Institute Act, utilizing 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 Act 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.
  Mr. President, I believe this important legislation gives state and 
local governments the necessary tools to make sound informed decisions 
regarding land-use decisions. I would like to commend Congressman Crapo 
for his leadership on this important issue.
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