Cincinnatians are anxious to see how a Bush administration will shape national policy on the environment and energy.

        “It's hard to form any concrete response as to what the future might hold,” said Tom Ewing, legislative and policy analyst for the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.

        Mr. Ewing said businesses generally want environmental regulations that are straightforward, cost effective and open to debate.

        He also said a change in top management at the Environmental Protection Agency will set the tone for policy.

        But Ned Ford, energy chairman of the Sierra Club, said the only reason there is any semblance of an energy policy is because of President Clinton's adept use of the veto.

        “There is not enough oil in the ground in the United States to make a difference,” Mr. Ford said. “All Bush knows how to do is drill for oil.”

        Mr. Bush said during his campaign that the country has an urgent need for a comprehensive energy policy, with leadership from the president.

        What Mr. Bush calls the 30-year-old federal model of “mandate, regulate and litigate” needs to be modernized, he said.

        What he says he'll do:

        • Maintain a strong federal environmental role but return significant authority to states and local communities.

        • Set high environmental standards and provide market-based incentives to develop new technologies and approaches so Americans meet and exceed those standards.

        • Ensure the federal government complies with all environmental laws.

        The most controversial part of his policy plan is the possible exploration of a portion of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas.

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TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
Local voters just glad it's over
Lawmakers talk conciliation
Ohio could reap the spoils
Tristate Republicans could win appointments
Kentuckians see friend in Bush
Tristate scholars consider lessons, impact of election
Impact on Abortion
Impact on Education
Impact on Environment/energy
Impact on Health Care
Impact on Social Security
Bush electors in the Tristate