LAWMAKERS
LAWMAKERS
20.26.59-DUKE-series of brief reports: Federal Reserve Chairman PAUL VOLCKER testified that DEFICIT REDUCTION is key to ECONOMIC SECURITY. C/S VOLCKER testifying, says the DEFICIT is going to keep INTEREST RATES HIGH. C/S Jim Wright and other Congressmen entering a meeting with REAGAN on DEFICIT REDUCTION, WRIGHT tells reporters he's hopeful compromises can be reached. DUKE-House Commerce Committee propose national DRINKING AGE of 21. Bill passes to bar UTILITY COMPANIES from passing costs of NEW POWER PLANTS on to CONSUMERS. Rep. BARBER CONABLE (R-NY) announces he won't seek re-election. C/S CONABLE, says he will be totally absorbed in Congress if he stays too long. C/S Rep. ROBERT MICHEL making plea in well of House to fellow Republicans to take the commitment to public service seriously and not retire for personal reasons. 20.29.03-DUKE-Senate took up issue of ACID RAIN. WERTHEIMER-intro report: Discussion of conflict between Industry, Downwind states, and the public on issue. 20.29.31-Clip of Canadian government film: C/S worker firing BLAST FURNACE in STEEL MILL, holds heavy shield over face while opening door. Aerial of a STEEL MILL complex. A v.o. describes the benefits (economic) and consequences (environmental) of coal and oil-burning industry. L/S SMOKESTACK billowing smoke, audio is a bad cover of "Who'll Stop the Rain" by Credence Clearwater Revival. Shot of a lake surrounded by mountains and forests with rain splashing surface. C/S MAPLE LEAVES during rainfall. Graphic map of U.S. shows 34 states affected by ACID RAIN. C/U anit-ACID RAIN pamphlets. C/S Sen. ROBERT STAFFORD (R-VT) says there is growing support for doing something about ACID RAIN problem. ECU REAGAN during State of the Union, proposes "research" into ACID RAIN. 20.30.59-Shots of a committee meeting on Acid Rain. C/S Sen. JOHN CHAFEE (R-RI) interrogating EPA chief WILLIAM RUCKELSHAUS, says the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY needs to get off the stick and act. RUCKELSHAUS says there is always a need to collect data, asserts that the evidence might point to "opposite conclusion" in five years. C/S Sen. GEORGE MITCHELL (D-ME), says that the EPA has not assisted in implementing an ACID RAIN POLICY. Graphic shows the central issue: Should the whole country or just states who pollute pay for reduction efforts. C/S Sen. STAFFORD discusses the regional conflict of RUSTBELT STATES with the EAST COAST. C/S Sen. JOHN DANFORTH (R-MO) says the states pay plan would hurt his state and not help the national problem. C/S Gov. RUDY PERPICH (D-MN) says that his state's tourism and forestry industries are hurt by ACID RAIN that comes from other states. 20.33.17-Clip of film of COAL MINING, shot of a foreman on bullhorn, wide shot of a STRIP MINE as DYNAMITE explodes, close shot of flying dirt and rubble. C/S a MINER driving a bulldozer. WERTHEIMER v.o.-COAL MINING STATES fear that the ACID RAIN LEGISLATION will cost jobs in their states. C/S Sen. STAFFORD, fears that the ELECTION will hurt chances for positive compromise bill. 20.33.49-DUKE/WERTHEIMER/ROBERTS-discussion of political constraints on ACID RAIN LEGISLATION, but it will still be a Campaign issue. Commentary by Charles McDowell on the BUDGET. Visual aid of huge stacks of blue-bound volumes of the Budget. Demonstrates the excessive share of the BUDGET taken up by DEFENSE SPENDING by showing the DEFENSE section of the BUDGET bound with a paper clip. Contrasts this to the concern of all of REAGAN'S economic advisers about the DEFICIT. All in all, a very low-key but potent indictment of REAGAN ECONOMIC POLICY. 20.37.22-DUKE-signs off Closing credits/transcript information/WETA credit/sponsor credits/PBS ID 20.39.06--OUT