George H.W. Bush: “March 24, 1992 To the Congress of the United States: In 1991 two events set the stage for a new era in history: the West…”

“March 24, 1992 To the Congress of the United States: In 1991 two events set the stage for a new era in history: the West won the Cold War and the United States led a U.N. coalition to roll back aggression in the Middle East. Both watershed events demonstrated the power of sustained international cooperation in pursuit of just and moral causes. They underscored the need for U.S. leadership in a complex, interdependent world. Historic changes are also occurring in the relationship between humanity and the environment. We increasingly recognize that environmental improvement promotes peace and prosperity, while environmental degradation can cause political conflict and economic stagnation. We see that environmental protection requires international commitment and strategic American leadership in yet another just and moral cause. Merging Economic and Environmental Goals As I often have stated, we can have both economic growth and a cleaner, safer environment. Indeed, the two can be mutually supportive. Sound policies provide both. My environmental strategy seeks to merge economic and environmental goals. For example, boosting two engines of economic growth-- technological change and international trade--can also provide benefits for the environment. Likewise, regulatory approaches that emphasize economic efficiency can help lower the costs of securing greater environmental quality.…”