Canada’s Envoy Urges Passage of Clean Air Act

Canadian Ambassador Derek Burney in Los Angeles Tuesday called for prompt approval by Congress of a new clear air act, including a provision on acid rain, which he described as “the most divisive issue” between the United States and his country.

Burney told The Times that congressional failure to enact a clean air act or a presidential veto of the measure would be a setback for the environment and relations between the United States and Canada.

House and Senate negotiators, who have been trying to craft a clean air bill since mid-July, hope to reach agreement before Congress is scheduled to adjourn Oct. 26. But there is concern that time is running out.