Press Release: Annual Environmental Report and Message of the Governor

For Immediate Release (C-06-97)
Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670
March 5, 1997

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-9670
FAX (916) 445-5563

Sacramento--Today the Annual Environmental Report and Message of the Governor detailing the environmental progress California has achieved during the past two years was delivered to the Legislature.

"California's efforts to protect the public health and improve the environment for generations to come are paying great dividends. This year's Governor's Report highlights those advancements and provides a roadmap for future efforts to better achieve California's high environmental standards using innovative approaches and reformed processes," California Secretary for Environmental Protection James M. Strock said.

"The integration of essential environmental and economic objectives--which has been Governor Wilson's vision for the past six years--is being achieved across California," stated Doug Wheeler, Secretary for Resources Agency. "By creating public/private partnerships, utilizing market forces, and focusing on the unique needs of California's watershed and ecosystems, we are demonstrating that sound long-term natural resource protection is vital for economic growth and environmental quality."

Sections of the report include an overview of trends in environmental quality, a review of Governor Wilson's major environmental initiatives, a summary of air quality measures, a presentation of water quality and resource protection efforts, highlights of innovative natural resource management programs and a description of hazardous and solid waste management achievements.

The Governor's Annual Report and Message on the Environment is submitted to the Legislature under provisions of Government Code section 12805.5. Copies of the report are available by calling (916) 324-9670 and will soon be available on the Internet at www.calepa.ca.gov or www.ceres.ca.gov.

NOTE: On February 11, 1997--after the Governor's Report went to press--Governor Wilson, Federal officials, and many other partners announced an historic $ 90 million agreement to acquire and restore the 880-acre degraded Bolsa Chica wetlands in Orange County. This represents a major achievement that is consistent with the Governor's Wetlands Policy and that builds on the 15% increase in the quantity of wetlands habitat in recent years (see page 77 - 78 of the Report).

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