Doctors and environmentalists cited poor sanitary conditions, especially a failure to dispose of garbage, as one reason for the recent outbreak of pneumonic plague at Surat in western India.

In two examples of protections they are seeking to preserve, the environmentalists cited limiting the number of sewer hookups allowed in developments, which has been reduced in some areas, and requiring higher levels of waste-water treatment.

Some automakers and environmentalists cite the relatively low market share of sport utility vehicles, their smaller size in Europe and greater fuel efficiency as reasons an environmental debate has not erupted in Europe.

Many environmentalists cite another reason for rising emissions - that the Administration has not sought stricter fuel efficiency levels for automobiles for fear of alienating companies and consumers.

But environmentalists cited other benefits, such as ending an incentive for buying vehicles that burn more fuel and pollute more.

Although environmentalists have long cited anecdotal evidence and some statistics to argue that pollution hits hardest those who are also disadvantaged by reason of race or income, the argument has never had a firm scientific foundation.

But environmentalists cite them as vivid examples of how in cramped, industrial northern Europe local problems can be everybody's business.

While these plants represent only a tiny fraction of the estimated 14,000 nationwide that store or use large quantities of extremely hazardous substances, environmentalists nonetheless cite their efforts as proof that companies and utilities can and should make the switch.

But environmentalists cite a number of reasons to ban plastic foam.