This report comprises an abbreviated statement which incorporates by reference the Draft Programmatic statement of the same title dated November 1980 for detailed information. The document summarizes the environmental impacts associated with development of natural gas beneath U.S. waters of Lake Erie's eastern and central basins bordering the States of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio; provides errata and addenda to the Draft statement; and responds to comments received on the Draft Statement. Major topics of discussion include: applicability of using the Canadian Lake Erie drilling experience; establishment of a Task Force and in each state an offshore office for program coordination; waste disposal methodology; need for natural gas; the role of the International Joint Commission, the 1909 U.S. - Canada Boundary Waters Treaty, and the 1978 Water Quality Agreement; the effects of re suspending sediment; validity of using worst-case accident analysis in lieu of Canadian accident data; contingency plans and spill cleanups; the effects of polyethylene glycol chlorination; impacts on water supplies and water treatment costs; an onland alternative program; and an explanation of the reference program concept.