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Show Chapter 1 Introduction The breadth of the Commission's assignment is measured by the direction that it study and make recommendations to the President respecting federal responsibility for and participa- tion in the:1 development, utilization, and conservation of water re- sources, including related land uses and other public purposes to the extent that they are directly concerned with water resources. A comprehensive study of existing legislation is necessary to f ulfillment of that assignment.2 While we shall summarize here the study of that legislation, we shall not narrow its scope. Water and land are interdependent, and man depends upon both, his efforts to derive benefits from them being as old as history. Moreover, a clear understanding of these efforts neces- sitates consideration of governmental aids and controls. Thus, our survey of the legal aspects of the relevant responsibilities assumed by the United States, summary though it may be, reflects important developments in the growth of the Nation. 1 Ex. O. No. 10095, January 3,1950,15 F. R. 17. * In his letter of January 3,1950 to the Chairman, The President's Water Resources Policy Commission, the President said, "It is essential in my judgment that a comprehensive study and review be made of all existing water resources legislation and policies and that recommendations be made in the full knowledge of national needs and objectives." The President also said, "As you know, the Commission on the Organiza- tion of the Executive Branch of the Government has made a detailed and comprehensive study of the organizational issues involved in the water resources field. * * * While problems of organization are closely re- lated to the development of consistent policies in the field of water re- sources, I am requesting your Commission to confine its recommendations to the questions of policy set forth in the Executive order together with related legislation." Accordingly, this survey will not include organizational mat- ters, as such. 1 |