In recent years we've seen dramatic pollution increases in America's most treasured park, the Great Smoky Mountains. To preserve this natural beauty for future generations, it is imperative that we strive to improve air quality and visibility in the Smoky Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest. Before determining the best course of action to pursue, we must gather as much evidence as possible about the causes of pollution in our region.

I recently inserted language in the Legislative Branch Appropriations bill that would direct the General Accounting Office (GAO) to conduct an in-depth study and report back to Congress on pollution sources in our region. Many in the environmental community focus solely on power generated by the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) coal-fired plants. Although these are one source, we must broaden our perspective to other areas. As the most visited park in the nation, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park receives thousands of visitors each year. The intense traffic and congestion adds to the smog. We also need to examine industries in surrounding regions that may be contributing to the poor air quality.

We need to find solutions that help our environment without ravaging the economy. Before taking any steps, we must balance environmental solutions with economic common sense. We should look at nuclear power that produces clean, efficient energy. Many call it the "green" solution.

Two nuclear power plants that are 80 per cent complete already exist in the region. Bringing raw nuclear on-line would allow us to meet our energy needs without driving up the power rates in the Valley. By Jan. 31, 2001, GAO will report to Congress on how carbon emissions could be reduced if we used non-emitting electric sources such as nuclear power. As an outdoorsman and sports enthusiast, I'm committed to finding common sense solutions that reduce air pollution while maintaining affordable electricity in the Valley.