EPA should take the lead in seeking out and correcting cases of excessive or ill-founded regulation. EPA should, as I suggested earlier, be innovative and open in finding ways to expedite environmental decision-making, such as is involved in the siting of plants and other facilities. But our society must firmly resist efforts to roll back our historic environmental protection achievements. We must never forget that a healthy environment and the continued healthy functioning of the natural systems of the Earth are the foundations upon which all human activity, progress, and welfare must ultimately depend. EPA has a proud and vital mission.
Environmental problems are world-wide.
They can be expected to become tougher rather than easier. The World Conservation Strategy developed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature with World Wildlife Fund support and the Global 2000 Report of the Council on Environmental Quality help outline the problems, set priorities, and recommend national and international action strategies. The United States must undertake a leadership role in addressing these issues worldwide, and EPA must assume a major part in that critical task.