LAWMAKERS LAUDED FOR VOTES BACKING THE ENVIRONMENT

To the Editor:

On behalf of the Trail of Tears Group of the Sierra Club (Ozark Chapter) I would like publicly to congratulate Sen. Kit Bond on his recent vote on a motion to close debate on Senate Bill 1220, the Johnston-Wallop Bill. By his vote Sen. Bond displayed environmental sensitivity towards an industry-backed energy bill that would have spelled environmental disaster for the nation. By his vote, Sen. Bond acknowledged that the Johnston-Wallop Bill, despite subsidizing the nuclear, oil and auto industries to the tune of $7 billion, failed to promote increased energy use efficiency or energy conservation. It would not, therefore, have moved the nation any closer to energy independence.

Instead, the bill would industrialize Alaska's magnificent Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, along with the many pristine coastal waters; all for just a few drops of oil.

The United States urgently needs an energy policy that promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. By rejecting the Johnston-Wallop bill, Sen. Bond has taken an important step in the right direction. We heartily applaud our Senator's vote, and encourage him to continue this sensitivity to serious environmental concerns.

Also on behalf of the local Sierrans, I would like to thank Congressman Emerson for promoting a bill that would allow Greer Spring to become federal property and would further allow this beautiful forest area to be protected from degradation due to commercial forestry and mining activities. While the bill as introduced was not, from the Sierra Club point of view, the ideal bill, it represented an acceptable compromise developed out of negotiations among all interested parties. This kind of sensible and rational discussion and compromise is exactly what the Sierra Club strives to achieve in addressing and solving environmental issues.

~Randy Sp~ratt~

Chairman

Trail of Tears Group