[EPA press release - August 5, 1977]

"I am extremely pleased that the long struggle over the Clean Air Act is over. The legislation enacted by the Congress will resolve a number of critical issues. It will permit expanded use of coal while maintaining protection of the public health. It will safeguard air quality in those areas of the country which are still pristine. And it will provide an acceptable schedule for continued future reduction in emissions from automobiles.

"Senator Muskie and Congressman Rogers and the members and staff of the Senate Public Works and Environment Committee and the House Commerce Committee deserve the thanks of the American people for their courage and persistence in the long legislative effort to protect the quality of our air."