Low cost long term loans (for greater Additional tax incentives of an even lower rate of at least 10% over and above the amounts previously stated for the next 24 months An accelerated "incentive program" should also be put into effect (possibly over the next 18 to 24 months) to quickly motivate movement toward this long term solution. This will create a sense of urgency and stress the overall importance of this program. I feel very strongly about this next point, it is quite possible the most important aspect of the entire environmental movement, at least it is to me and my company. That point is EDUCATION. Education of the masses. Does the general public understand the importance of creating environmentally sustainable products? Do we know why we recycle? What long term damage are we doing to the environment by not taking a proactive stance today? I think we all know the answer's to these questions and they are not positive. So whose responsibility is it to inform and educate? It's all of ours! In fact I propose that in order to qualify for any/all incentives available under this program, you must first submit a comprehensive educational programs proposal. One that informs and explains the technology used in manufacture of your product'(s) and why its important to do so (Ref. attached RETRIEVA flyer). Periodic updates should also be a part of this program so as to ensure continued focus in the right area. Continued funding should be withheld without these updates. Global Green has turned away, or at a minimum delayed retail business because certain companies just wanted to "hang" Our garments on a rack without delivering an environmental message. In fact Disney retail is currently working on their message because I refused to sell them garments without their program in place. Personally, we use a hang tag to deliver our environmental message. Because we are cash limited, we cannot deliver the full educational message that we would like to. Sadly, I must report that as we attempt to attract additional funding, investors are more interested in turning a profit than doing the environmentally correct thing. They have suggested that we compromise our beliefs for the sake of additional profit. By seeking new venture funding we are forced into a position of giving up a large portion of our company and decision authority in order to acquire funds to sustain our growth. The most important thing the federal government can do today for startup "green companies" would be to fund and offer my aforementioned incentives. For without these incentives, I'm afraid that the majority of industry will continue to proceed down the wrong path. One that is dictated by cheapest means of producing a product without regard for the cost or the downstream problems that it will create. At that time, you, I and our children will be consumed with trying to right this wrong. An actual travesty when you consider that today we have the ability to significantly lessen this amount by enacting the proper legislation. By waiting until tomorrow, I wonder just how many more millions, billions and trillions we will be adding to our national debt. And how many more young entrepreneurial "green" companies will die and fall by the wayside because we wouldn't compromise our belief's and we didn't have the funds to sustain our future. The choice is your's. Lets do the right thing! Mr. VALENTINE. Thank you, sir. Mr. Klee? Mr. KLEE. Before I begin, Mr. Chairman, I would like to request that two reports that we've brought be added to the official record of this hearing. One is a summary of the Yorktown project that we conducted with EPA, and the second is a legal analysis of opportunities for flexibility and innovation under current Federal environmental laws. Mr. VALENTINE. Without objection, so ordered. [The reports follow:] Howard Kee. Amoco Corporation Marl Code 4905 200 East Randolph Drive Chicago.nois 60601-7:25 Environment, Health & Safety Department 312-856-2320 Facsimile 312-616-0152 or 0277 September 30, 1993 The Honorable Tim Valentine Chairman House Committee on Science, Space and Technology Dear Mr. Chairman: Comments for the Public Record on National Initiatives in Green Technologies Stimulating Creativity. With reference to the Committee hearing on Green Technologies held on October 5, 1993, Amoco Corporation requests that the enclosed written statement be included in the hearing record. Amoco has recently completed a joint study with the EPA to evaluate pollution prevention opportunities at Amoco's Yorktown, Virginia refinery, which we believe provides insights for legislative and regulatory policy affecting environmental management and environmental technology innovation. Our statement highlights the findings of this study as it relates to specific concerns of stimulating innovative environmental strategies and technologies. Amoco and outside counsel also conducted a legal analysis of federal environmental laws to identify opportunities for innovation and flexibility. Summaries of both reports are attached to this statement. If there are questions or clarification about this written statement, please contact Karen St. John at (202) 857-5311 or Howard Klee at (312) 856-2320. Sincerely, Howard Klee Howard Klee, Jr. Director, Regulatory Affairs Mail Code 4905 |