Evans, Norton and Veneman Praise President's
Klamath Decision

Following are statements from Secretaries Evans, Norton and Veneman regarding the President's announcement today that he has established a Klamath Basin Federal Working Group.

Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans: "I commend the President for elevating this difficult issue related to the Klamath Basin by establishing the Federal Working Group. This approach will focus concerted attention and effort on the serious challenges in the region. I stand ready to advise the President on the best ways to meet our federal obligations - stewardship of the environment, water for agricultural use and the Tribal rights of Native Americans. It is crucial that the people most affected by the government's decisions - the farmers, fishermen, Tribes, state and local governments, environmental groups, and others - are assured that these decisions are based on sound science and maximum input from all stakeholders."

Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton: "I look forward to working with Secretaries Evans and Veneman and CEQ Chairman Jim Connaughton. The Klamath issues are complex, as the President has indicated, and our assignment is clear. We must bring about a satisfactory resolution that meets the needs of the farmers while upholding the government's trust responsibilities and our commitment to the needs of the environment."

Secretary of Agriculture Ann Veneman: "The issues facing our farmers and ranchers in the Klamath region are critical and we have worked hard to ensure quick distribution of emergency appropriations that have been provided to date. The President has been clear on his objectives regarding this matter. We will continue to work closely with Secretaries Evans and Norton, as well as CEQ Chairman Connaughton, in committing the necessary resources and expertise to address the concerns of farmers, ranchers and other interested parties, in bringing about an equitable solution to this important issue."

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