Proposed Rule Alters How the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Applies to Oceans

(From marketwatch.com) Washington – Bush Administration Continues its Attacks on the Environment, No Relief in Sight. NEPA, the nation”s preeminent conservation law, ensures that public officials make informed decisions about the environmental consequences of their actions by requiring thorough environmental assessments with public participation.

This is the same law that helped to protect thousands of square miles of deep sea coral, reduced mortality of endangered sea turtles and began the process of rebuilding depleted fish populations while ensuring robust public participation in federal fisheries management.

But the Bush administration’s proposal, published on May 14, 2008, is full of loopholes and exclusions that would do little to protect the environment.

 The public can submit official comments on the proposal through August 12, 2008 by going to www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizations/MFCN/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=24897

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