LETTER TO GEORGE S. BENTON FROM STEPHEN J. GAGE

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP10M02313R000703980022-0
• Release Decision: RIFPUB
• Original Classification: K
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: July 9, 2012
• Sequence Number: 22
• Publication Date: June 19, 1980
• Content Type: LETTER

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Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/10/24: CIA-RDP10M02313R000703980022-0
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON. D.C. 20460
JUN 1 9 1980
Dr. George S. Benton
Chairman, Interim Policy Group
on Land Remote Sensing
National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
U. S.. jocusemment of Commerce
Washington, D.C. 20230
Dear Dr. Benton:
OFFICE OF
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Transition Plan for Civil Operational Land Remote Sensing has
been reviewed as requested in your letter of May 16, 1980. The Environ-
mental Protection Agency (EPA) has no objection to the recommendations as
proposed in Review Copy (No. 3) dated May 30, 1980 wdth revisions dated
through June 6, 1980.
There are however, several facets of the plan which we believe merit
further consideration.
1. We are concerned about the institutional framework and effectiveness
of the Program Board. Although it is proposed as the forum
representing the Federal agencies using Landsat data, it appears
to have only an advisory capacity since NCAA retains veto rights
on the Board's recommendations.
2. The theme of increasing revenues from Landsat products by imposing
copyright privileges on the Federal agencies is viewed as a
cumbersome fiscal exercise that has little opportunity of success
in practical application.
3. The present plan wherein NOAA "budgets for the core system" appears
to be most viable option for funding the program for the foreseeable
future. The alternative of "cost sharing" would place an unbearable
burden on agencies like EPA which are endeavoring to identify and
promote practical uses of Landsat technology.
4. It is the position of this Agency that we will be willing to pay
reasonable prices for the Landsat data that will meet our require-
ments. We will also commit additional resources to encourage the
transfer of Landsat technology to those activities working toward
the improvement of the quality of our environment. On the other
hand, if prices of Landsat data are inflated to the point where
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aircraft acquired data becomes more cost effective then EPA
Regions, States and local agencies will cease to use Landsat
data. This we believe will be counter productive to the
nation's long range objectives in space technology.
Sincerely yours,
Stephen J. G e
Assistant Administrator
for Research and Development
Declassified and Approved For Release 2013/10/24 : CIA-RDP10M02313R000703980022-0