The Ford Administration has not delayed in announcing its environmental policy. In a speech delivered August 15 in Spokane "on behalf of President Ford," Interior Secretary Rogers C.B. Morton indicated that the new Administration will continue the policy enunciated by former President Nixon in July of compromising or delaying environmental controls in order to facilitate accelerated economic growth.¹

Secretary Morton opened his remarks with a review of America's recent achievements in the environmental field. Turning then to the energy problem, he expressed the government's intention of pursuing Project Independence, which envisions increased coal production, shale and off-shore oil leasing, and stepped-up development of geothermal, nuclear and other sources of energy. At the same time, he asserted the need for effective controls on strip-mining and oil-drilling operations to minimize environmental risks. He coupled this with a plea for further energy conservation by industry and the public.