GOV. WILSON'S LETTERS TO PERRY

[Lenny Siegel <lsiegel@igc.org>]

WILSON LETTERS TO PERRY

 On January 25, 1995, California's Republican Governor, 
Pete Wilson, sent two letters to Secretary of Defense William Perry 
regarding Defense environmental issues. The first, to be posted in 
full as a response item, expressed his deep concern about cuts in 
Defense environmental restoration spending. Wilson warned, 
"California will not hesitate to assert its right under [signed 
Federal/state] cleanup agreements to seek fines, penalties and 
judicial orders compelling DOD to conduct required environmental 
work." He offered, "I would be happy to work with you to strengthen 
support in Washington for full funding of DOD cleanup work."

 In a second letter, Wilson essentially laid out his strategy to 
overcome environmental factors that could be used to argue for 
additional base closures within the state. Wilson pointed out that 
three California air quality districts had provided air emission 
credits to enable expansion at Vandenberg Air Force Base, the 
China Lake Naval Weapons Center, Edwards Air Force Base, and 
McClellan Air Force Base. Wilson also informed Perry about his 
executive order designed to provide a "regulatory-friendly" 
environment for military activities in California. And finally, he 
brought to Perry's attention the signing of the base-wide 
environmental ROD (record of decision) at the Sacramento Army 
Depot. The first such ROD at a closing base, the Sacramento 
cleanup plan has paved the way for a successful conversion plan, in 
which Packard Bell, backed by the city of Sacramento, is 
establishing a computer manufacturing facility at the former Depot.