Preface

On April 18 , 1973 , the President asked the Council on Environmental Quality to work with the Environ - mental Protection Agency , in consultation with the National Academy of Sciences and other Federal agencies , to study the environmental impact of oil and gas production on the Atlantic outer continental shelf and in the Gulf of Alaska . The President also specified that Governors , legislators , and citizens of these areas should be consulted .

This report summarizes information and analyses provided to the Council by many sources over the year of study .

Federal interagency working groups were formed to develop the scope of work and to monitor the progress of the study . Federal agency representatives who con tributed to the study are listed in Appendix A . Con tracts were awarded to consultants and universities to study specific subject areas ( they are listed in Appen dix B ) . A Governors ' Advisory Committee , consisting of one designee from each Atlantic coast state and from Alaska , served in a consultative and review capa city ( see Appendix C for members ' names ) .

In accord with the President ' s request , the National Academy of Sciences independently analyzed the Council report . The Academy ' s critique is attached .

The Council involved the public directly in this study . In September and October of 1973 , the Council held public hearings and briefings to gather informa tion from citizens , environmental groups , industry , and government officials . Hearings were held in Washing ton , D . C . ; Boston , Mass . ; Mineola , Long Island , N . Y . ; Philadelphia , Pa . ; Ocean City , Md . ; Jacksonville , Fla . ; and Anchorage , Alaska . A summary of these hearings may be found in Volume II .

The Council gratefully acknowledges the efforts of Federal agencies , state and local governments , con tractors , industry representatives , and members of environmental and public interest organizations who have contributed to this report . Special thanks go to the members of the Governors ' Advisory Committee and the National Academy of Sciences review com mittee who generously contributed their advice and time .