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Show T^T^-MACy Introduction, continued priations hear-O^s on public works. The Rep. from Salt Lake County blatantly misrepresents the entire issue in his "letters home". In meetings I had with Congressmen in Washington, there was a complete lack of knowledge about the CUP. Of all the country's water projects, it appears to be the least known or understood. Problems Initially, my approach to the CUP issue was based on my deep concern about valuable public stream and recreation and wildlife resources on the Uintas which I knew about intimately. My efforts to protect these were directed personally to Secretary Andrus - on this basis. However, I have come to understand the political realities of stopping dam projects: environmental issues are not appreciated in Washington, and, except for Rare and Endangered species, carry no weight. The tax revolt stopped California dam projects, for now, and this is a very viable and real issue. It is one CRCUP has not been exploiting in Utah. When EPC and I requested the Co-Chairman to have a news conference about our failure to obtain written answers to our questionnaire, and cost issues to Utah's residents, the Co-Chairman wouldn't carry through. Gunn McKay was up for re-election this fall, and CRCUP did not exploit the tax revolt and cost issue to his disadvantage. While we realized when we formed CRCUP, that a Utah constituency in opposition to the CUP was absolutely essential ( and this fact has been underscored in a recent letter to me from Senator Proxmire), we were not able in the summer, nor has this been accomplished this fall, to coordinate long and short term goals, and to develop strategy based on these. I was unable to get agreement on goals among concerned individuals. I was from out of State. I was not subject to all the misrepresentations or the authority in the State of Utah which has deeply infected even good, sensitive people. I did not know, nor did my coworkers - how to enlist the support of people concerned for stream flows and wildlife for many years - when they could not separate the issue of the loss of these from the stated need of the State for federally developed water. It is difficult to pursuade normally intelligent people they are brainwashed. Yet we need their help. What was a problem in the summer, remains a problem now. I have departed from employing environmental grounds as the basis for stopping the CUP. Through contacts with EPC's Blackwelder, and others, I understand that the issue is one of trying to get public pressure in Utah which will support the Carter Administration Water Policy for utilizing nonstructural means ..and conser. vation of water> to answer the western State's water needs. While this is actually now being implemented in the State of Utah, CRCUP does not understand it nor work with this issue. Independently, members plead with the Water Conservancy District and the Bureau and the Governor - to increase instream flows on the trout streams. At their last Advisory Board meeting, I was told, discussion centered around having BIG Trout, not just Trout at all! |
