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Show THE VOICE OF BUSINESS Here's something new - turn the tables on Uncle Sam and sue! By Richard Lesher, President Chamber of Commerce of the United States The Department of Energy is charged with illegally using taxpayers' funds to pay for consumer groups who testify against business in agency proceedings. The Environmental Protection Agency is challenged after issuing regulations on solid waste which may force firms nationwide to immediately close their waste facilities without any prior notice or hearing. The State Attorney General in Oklahoma is accused of illegally forbidding for-bidding non-American corporations from owning land in his state a decision that could significantly jeopardize foreign investment, jobs and economic growth in other states. What's going on here? On the surface, sur-face, you might answer, "Nothing much, because nothing changes." True, big government's juggernaut rolls on, gradually eliminating the remaining freedoms and opportunities in the private economy. And true, there seems to be no limit to its increases in spending, taxes and regulations. Still, something fundamental really is changing a subtle shift in momentum has begun. As more and more Americans become angry enough to fight back, big government has finally been thrown on the defensive Victory is not yet in sight, but the potential to acheive it is. Consider: Thanks to growing pressure from the grass roots, it is now the initiatives to reduce spending and taxes that are proliferating in Congress. The spenders can still prevail, but they are weary and embarrassed em-barrassed at constantly having to explain why they refuse to give taxpayers tax-payers a break. The activities of the regulatory agencies are also being more closely scrutinized, even reined-in. reined-in. One of the most important weapons in this entire counteroffensive is that of litigation; and as evidenced by the legal challenges listed earlier, the cutting edge of the litigation effort is developing right here in the U.S. Chamber. The National Chamber Litigation Center, Inc. was established in February 1977, to represent the business community before the courts and regulatory agencies. Rather than simply roll over and play dead every time a government bureaucrat or no-growth no-growth group threatens lengthy, expensive ex-pensive legal action, NCLC provides the possibility for any business, no matter how small, to fight back and win. Among its goals, the Center has pledged to challenge unconstitutional and irresponsible laws and regulations that harm the business community and our national economy; to counter restrictive anti-business forces affecting af-fecting labor relations, business' constitutional rights and federal rulemaking rule-making activities, and to act as a rational legal advocate for business on major public policy issues-environmental issues-environmental matters, consumer affairs and trade negotiations. The Center employs its own staff of attorneys to initiate or join legal actions ac-tions and the staff does not accept fees for its services. The sole source of financial support for its litigation program comes from membership dues and special contributions. Any u business firm, corporation, trad association or individual can become member. Obviously, the Center's resources ai not unlimited, so its participation in case is normally based on certai major criteria: The case must involve an issue ( direct importance to a broad crOS section of the business community The case should have substanbj regional or national significance. No other party is presenting th broad business perspective before th . court or agency. The business community has a nee for the expertise and assistance NCL can provide. The issue fits within NCLC's overa priorities and resources. That said, the Center has alread established an impressive record victories in the past two years. For too long, extremists withi regulatory agencies and certain sel designated consumer and ei vironmental groups have used, an abused, the courts to by-pass Congre; and create public policy. The mountai of resulting regulations, requirin inordinate amounts of time, money an paperwork, have drastically curtails business operations at home an harmed our ability to compete abroai In seeking a more balanced approac to the establishment of nation! priorities, the National Chambt Litigation Center is making an in portant contribution to those wl believe in individual opportunity ar economic growth for aU American For that reason, I believe the Center worthy of support. |