Sunshine on the Environment

Judging by final roll calls, Congress’ 1985 record on environmental legislation was dismal. Not a single major bill was passed. But the record is deceptive. In fact, Congress surprised many by making commendable progress toward the reauthorization of a number of major environmental programs launched in the 1960s and 1970s.

With some hard work and a little luck, 1986 could become a notable year in the advancement of programs to clean up and protect the nation’s land, water and air resources.

Going into 1985, congressional authorization of as many as 10 major programs had expired, or would during the year. Usually, expired programs are continued on a year-to-year basis in the absence of new legislation. The major exception is the Superfund program to clean up toxic wastes. Both the House and the Senate passed bills in 1985 to expand and speed up the program. A priority for 1986 should be quick resolution of this issue.

Both houses have acted on two other critical programs that deserve renewal in 1986: the Safe Drinking Water Act, to protect groundwater supplies, and the Clean Water Act, providing assistance to local governments for construction of sewage-treatment facilities. In addition, the House has reauthorized the Endangered Species Act, and a Senate bill is in full committee.

Stalemate continues over the Clean Air Act, which was due for renewal in 1981, largely because of disagreement over how it should deal with the acid-rain problem. Action is pending on several other measures to control pesticides and other toxic materials.

The record of 1985 demonstrates that environmental protection legislation has become accepted as a major element of the national agenda. Opinion polls in the past several years illustrate growing support by the public for strong national legislation, even if it has some dampening effect on economic growth.

While it has been less vocal recently, the Reagan Administration continues to be the one single voice that consistently opposes the strengthening of national environmental laws. Even major elements of industry have recognized the necessity and wisdom, and in some cases the good business sense, of protecting ourselves and the environment from the spoils of civilization.

Congress demonstrated in 1985 that it will not wait for the Administration to come on board. With broad popular support, it does not need to.