But many environmentalists note that the pilings have been there for years and form artificial reefs, the spawning grounds for countless species, and strongly oppose the idea.

In the case of the hoped-for "super car," some environmentalists note that the industry has not yet committed itself explicitly to producing any of the new vehicles.

At sea, environmentalists note, shipping routes are becoming increasingly crowded, while the merchant fleet is aging and replete with substandard crews or ships.

Tourism and recreation, the environmentalists note, are fueling job growth; service industry jobs jumped to 119,571 in 1999 from 82,684 in 1990.

Other environmentalists, noted however, that their fears were tempered by the recognition that the market for timber is weak and therefore the economy may well restrain the timber industry even if, as some see it, the Pataki administration won't.

Some environmentalists noted yesterday that the extra protection was an easy call for the administration, in part because there was little significant opposition in Hawaii or Washington.

The environmentalists noted that the Gulf of Aqaba, the proposed terminus of the pipeline, "is one of the most beautiful and unique habitats of the tropical seas."

But environmentalists note that the water quality in the Meadowlands has improved markedly since the garbage dumps were closed.

A Russian company has also expressed interest, but both the government and environmentalists note that Alcoa says it can coexist with a national park and has a relatively good environmental record.

And some environmentalists note that it is far easier to recycle materials before they are buried.