Talking Points
Interior Secretary Gale A. Norton National Association of Counties Annual Convention Phoenix, Arizona - July 17, 2004 |
[Introduced by Karen Miller
- GREETINGS FROM PRESIDENT BUSH The President asked me to represent him today at this important gathering and to extend his best wishes to each one of you. The Bush administration has worked diligently to build a vital and vibrant partnership with the membership of the National Association of Counties. Today highlight growing importance of local governments in environmental decision-making. Discuss ways we are working together to renew habitat for wildlife, preserve sites that reflect our nation's heritage, and improve recreation opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors.
The President has asked me to extend to each of you his gratitude for your work at the local level that is helping to promote economic growth and new jobs for Americans. When you take a moment and look 'under the hood' of America's economy, your 'Main Street' businesses are a key economic engine. Small businesses now create 7 out of every 10 new jobs in America - they alone account for half of the output of our economy. And here's an interesting fact: Small businesses owned by women are now growing at more than twice the rate of businesses owned by men. I know that each of you do your part to promote small businesses - and work to encourage their products and services. At the federal level we are also making great progress on their behalf. One element of the strong resurgence of small business is the administration's determination to provide tax relief. In 2004, 25 million small businesses will receive tax relief totaling about $75 billion. America's standard of living is on the rise, after-tax incomes are up by 11% since December of 2000, and home ownership is at an all-time high.. By any independent measurement, the nation's economic policies are sound. Our economic grows stronger every day and we continue to drive steady job growth. At same time we want a thriving economy, also want spectacular natural world. Bush Administration believes we can have both. As we learn more about how to protect natural ecosystems,
Environmental protection has been quietly undergoing a positive transformation. Think about evolution of environmentalism over last half of 20th Century Made significant progress, but also developed an approach based on conflict, litigation, and winner takes all batles
States resisted dictates from Washington, and people complained that federal regulators did not understand local circumstances State official myself - often felt federal govt was ignoring good ideas and reasonable requests from states I believe these collaborative approaches are the wave of the future. Quiet successes of people sitting down together From the federal level, we want to support and encourage the success that comes from incorporating local knowledge into solutions. Because so many of us in Bush Administration come from state and local experience, we recognize that each of us in this room is in the same business. Our job is to represent the public the best and most effective way possible. Working together as a team to solve common problems for Americans is the best way we can earn the title of 'public servant'. Over the past two years, the Bush Administration has worked to give local governments - and the citizens you represent - a broader role and a stronger voice in environmental management. White House CEQ took historical first step of making clear that counties are welcome as cooperating agencies in NEPA analysis. Seat at table as important decisions are being made - not just standing outside. OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTNERSHIP - COOPERATING AGENCIES
Have been conducting workshops for county officials in many states to provide in-depth information about how to effectively participate. Proposed regulations coming out Tuesday. 60 days for comment.
Asking other Interior agencies to examine how they can strengthen role of counties. This approach is long overdue, but it is already making a difference - Wyoming's Jack Morrow Hills Plan and Colorado's Naval Oil Shale Reserve (Roan Plateau) Resource Management Plan will now strongly reflect the input of local, county and state cooperating agencies. OTHER WAYS WE ARE WORKING MORE CLOSELY WITH COUNTY GOVERNMENTS
WATER 2025
We are also working to protect communities from wildland fire with the President's Healthy Forests Initiative. Preventing communities from the devastation of wildfires by eliminating tinder-dry growth is the primary goal.
WETLANDS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has revealed that, for the first time in U.S. history, we have reversed the annual net loss of wetlands on our farms. Overall, we are nearing the President's goal of 'no net loss' of wetlands.
CHALLENGE COST-SHARE GRANTS
" Tourism: important role in economic vitality for America and many of your counties. " Clear up one issue before it dampens tourism this summer. You may have heard some news stories creating the impression that our national parks are in dire straits this year - deteriorating before our eyes and starved for the funding that would allow them to function normally. " I won't dwell on the motivation of our critics - but as a group of elected officials you have probably had your own experiences with interest groups overdramatizing things for their own purposes. " Concerned about impact
on families who may change vacation plans because of these grim reports. " The reality is that this summer we will welcome more than a million visitors a day to Yellowstone, Yosemite, Mount Rushmore, Arches, Kitty Hawk, or any of the countless other spectacular and historic places managed by the National Park Service. " Visitors to our national parks will discover a park system that continues to be the best in the world and is getting better year by year. " Funding levels are at record highs. More money per acre, per employee and per visitor than at any time in history.
" President Bush set and funded three priorities for the National Parks: 1. Improve repair and maintenance " The President is meeting
his commitment to invest $4.9 billion over five years to address the national
park maintenance backlog. " National Park Service
has nearly tripled funding to preserve and study the magnificent natural
resources within National Parks. 3. Protect Visitors and Employees " To increase visitor and employee safety, the Administration has increased National Park Service law enforcement budgets by 23.5 percent under President Bush. " National Park Service
has largest staff ever: FY 2005 will have 20,637-an increase of 839 over
Park Service employment in 2000
" Interior is the nation's biggest landlord - with a responsibility of stewardship for our public lands. " Whether we're working with representatives of gateway communities near our National Parks, or working together to improve habitat and protect historic places, Interior is far more effective when we can work in partnership with you and the people you represent. " Our partnership with NACo is one of Interior's most constructive and successful. Much of that has to do with you and the progressive leadership of this organization. " I thank the National
Association of Counties for your efforts to maintain these strong ties
on behalf of the people of this nation. |