OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 18, 1997

Contact: Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/208-6416

I am pleased that the Senate has provided a funding mechanism for the acquisition of the Crown Butte mining property on the border of Yellowstone National Park and the purchase of Headwaters Forest, the last great stand of ancient redwoods in private hands in California.

It is gratifying that Senate appropriators agreed with President Clinton that these two land acquisitions are high environmental priorities and either pose or are under severe and immediate threat. Today’s action makes good on an important component of the bi-partisan balanced budget agreement between the President and leaders of the House and Senate. I was very disappointed that the House of Representatives failed to provide a funding mechanism for Crown Butte or Headwaters in fiscal year 1998, ignoring the commitment made by their leadership.

I do not believe that requirements for additional authorization are necessary or helpful and I call on the Senate to support full funding without additional legislative hurdles. I remain hopeful that these issues can be resolved during the conference process between the House and Senate and we can move forward to protect two environmental treasures, the Headwaters Forest and the Yellowstone ecosystem.

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