MemorandurA J{: Jannary 4, l979_,,, To: David Dean From: David Nesenholtz Re: The State Of TaxaS Office of State -Federal /Relations 1019 Nrielegointh Street. NW. • &Ade 830 Washavtort. D.C. 200,16 202 / 223-.V$55 Governor Clements MIA Standing Committee Assignments win • wair 410.1. CR:Aph Briscoe Goyemoc David 14 esenhoitz Director Kentucky Governor Julian Carroll, National Governors' As A, Chairman, has or will shortly notify Governor-elect Clements by mail that he is invited to join NGA's Committees on Executive Management and Fiscal Affairs and InternatiOnal Trade and:Foreign Relations.WfqkIPLA4(m4 these are important camitte---i—aasproents—and these comadtqes will deal with natters of concern and importance to the State of Texas aad 1633 -1536 V. Governor Clements, Gov. Carroll will fail to zemtion that a governor ray serve on only two standing committees, and that he is planning to - drop Texas from the key Natural____Resourw and Environmental Management Committee. _.- I -: t As the nation's largest producer and consumer of energy, Texas' interests have been 11-served by active participation on the Natural resources and Environmental 14anagement Committee. This committee has jurisdiction over energy issues in the NriA committee structure, as well -- s over such crucial matters to Texas as 'water resources policy, State Clean Air Act implementation plans, and aestal zone management. The IcommitteiTis often used as a "sounding board" for the Department of Energy, regarding its proposed policies, programs, and regulatory sChmes. fri the next several months, DOE will be developing dozens of sets of guidelines and regulations-to implement provisions of the National Energy-Act which stand to impact Texas in dramatic ways. This has led Natural Resources and Environmental Management Ccenitteethainum (Colorado Governor) Richard Lamm to conclude, "One of the chief responsibilities of the committee undoubtedly will be to see that Governors of this country have extensive input into the .ronner in which N.T.A is implemented." House and Senate Energy Committees preview and discuss prospective legislation with this ICA comittee, as well. Therefore, because of Texas' need to influence legislative and admin- istrative proposals as early and effectively as possible, as well as to capitalize an an established vehicle for influencing national energy and venatural resources issues and policy, Governor Clements Bay ptgfer to serve cc this carnittee. As you hnow, Governor BriSCD& )cas a member of this dommittee for several years and chaired its Cil and Gas Subcommittee. This was ley in providing a forum for Texas' vigorous support (and ultimate success) in calling for an MA, policy position to deregulate natural as pricing. Governor Clements' participation on this committee would help to moderate the committee's positions and represent the interests of a producing State, in addition to affording the visibility and influence of this national forum. (22/We have further background information and suggestions about options you may want to consider at this stage. 1'11 discuss these with you on the telephone later today. t-
