053174 Population growth called threat



Bruce  POSNER
Staff Writer

Russell W. Peterson. chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality~ told an audience of about 300 members of the Westchester County Association Thursday night that  population growth is the greatest threat to to the future well-being of humanity. t

The former Delaware governor, who was appointed to the Environmental  post by President Nixon last year made his remarks at the group's annual dinner meeting at the Rye town Hilton.

"THE SOLUTION of most of the major problems of mankind, such as malnutrition, disease, poor housing, unemployment, pollution, and the depletion of resources," Peterson said, "is dependent upon solving the population problem. ''

Speaking on energy n energy, Peterson said, "We have been on an energy binge in this country  "It is necessary to conserve fuel and develop alternative energy sources before the Year 2000, he added

For the short run. he said. increased use of nuclear energy and coal reserves are the major avenues for meeting growing energy demands. He cautioned that environmental protection should be maximized.

Failure to protect the environment in developing energy sources. he said, will present a health crisis from the pollution of our air and water and a spiritual crisis from the ravaging of our countryside.

While he expressed high hopes for the long-range potential of solar energy in the next century, he said it would be wishful I thinking to expect any more than three, or four per cent of the total energy supply from solar power by 2000.

E a r I i e r  in the meeting. Westchester County Executive Alfred B DelBello told the group. primarily composed of businessmen. He would continue to seek their aid in such areas as developing a new system of control for the Westchester County Airport. an expanded county data processing center and increased affirmative action employment

DiBello also boosted his county-wide solid waste disposal plan, saying it is flexible enough to accommodate the needs of every community.

SY J. SCHULMAN, association president. announced an agreement the group made earlier in the day with the Associated Colleges of the Mid Hudson Area on a continuing. education project to be fundedby the state Education  Department .

The program  which Is slated to  receive $95,000 in state funds is expected to begin in .July, . Schulman said the program is designed to coordinate, the needs of the business and educational communities.