The APAP is called to order by Flora Savers. Drs. Niche, Stratus, and Zwitterion present information and data: documenting the occurrence of acid precipitation, and the extent of the damage to ecosystems and structures in the County.

     Lively discussion follows the presentations; however, there is little agreement as to how to proceed.

• Hope Hywages discusses how energy conservation can reduce demand on electricity and reduce power plant emissions.

• Ann Pere-Watage suggests that advances in genetic engineering can produce acid-resistant fish and trees.

• Bo Saw and Douglas Fir are interested in reducing the emissions from large SUVs like the LAND SHARK.

• Cam Shaft reminds the Panel of the economic dependence of many Ramford residents on auto and other manufacturing industries.  He suggests finding and using fuels that are naturally low in sulfur.  

• Dr. Betsy Ross-Hamilton points out that this is a global problem and we should study how other parts of the world are responding to the problem.

• The meeting begins to degenerate into an argument among the APAP members based on their backgrounds and constituents.  Congresswoman Savers calls the group back to order and asks the Panel if they can at least agree on a first step to begin to address this issue.  

• Chief Sweetwater states that since acid precipitation affects many sectors of the public perhaps a logical approach would be to involve the public in the discussion of the issue.  

• Chief Sweetwater, Hope Hywages, and Ann Pere-Watage agree that the open debates on PCBs and DDT, as well as the public congressional hearing on Mercury presented by environmental consulting firms greatly expanded the knowledge base of all concerned and aided the decision making on these issues.  

• The Panel agrees that the first step should be for the APAP to sponsor a series of Public Forums that explain the problems and present and discuss potential solutions.  

• The panel disagrees as to how this should happen.  The different factions want to control what information is presented and when and how it should be discussed.  The APAP is coming close to degenerating into an argument again!  

• Congresswoman Savers establishes order and suggests that the APAP use a modification of the approach used in the PCB and DDT issues.  Chief Sweetwater and his supporters (Bo Saw, Douglas Fir, Betsy Ross-Hamilton) and Ann Pere-Watage and her supporters (Cam Shaft, Hope Hywages, Mercedes Bens) will each contract with an environmental consulting firm to represent their interests and potential solutions at the Public Forums.