This Day In 1970's History: Wednesday February 2, 1977
- President Carter addressed the nation for the first time since his inauguration, asking Americans to unite in a spirit of cooperation and mutual effort to help him develop "predictable, long-range programs that we are sure we can afford and that we know will work." Speaking from a chair near a fireplace in the White House, he said he had learned there are many things a President cannot do -- that a federal program without public acceptance is of limited value. His 1977 program, he said, will seek a national energy policy, an economic stimulation package fair to all segments of society, a start on government reorganization, comprehensive tax reform, welfare reform to minimize abuse, a lean and efficient defense capability and a foreign policy showing concern about violations of human rights. [New York Times]
- Environmentalists who supported President Carter in his election campaign almost unanimously are concerned that no additional funds are planned for the Environmental Protection Agency, not even to restore cuts made by President Ford. Its former administrator has said that even before the cuts the budget was too meager for the E.P.A. to carry out its mission. [New York Times]
- New hope for Buffalo, where more snow fell, arrived with a massive airlift of men and machines from New York City and military bases around the country to help the city dig out of the worst blizzard in its history. [New York Times]
- The emergency natural gas bill, passed by Congress and signed by President Carter, gave him his first legislative success on his 14th day in office. It will let him shift natural gas from surplus areas to shortage areas to keep houses warm and essential services operating. It also suspends until July 31 the federal price ceilings for extra gas purchased by interstate pipelines to replenish reserves depleted by cold weather east of the Rockies. [New York Times]
- Home heating oil costs about 12 percent more than it did last winter, according to major dealers in the New York metropolitan area, and the rise shows no sign of abating. They ascribe it to higher prices of major oil companies. Oil executives say the upward pressure comes from the sharp jump in demand of nearly 17 percent brought on by cold weather. [New York Times]
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