[CPEO-MEF] Anchorage paper on military exemptions

[ramcnally@nasw.org]

Below is the opening of a 8 May 2002 Anchorage Daily News story on the
Defense Authorization Bill.  The full story also includes information on 
an environmental lawsuit against the military for the use of an 
important estuary known as Eagle River Flat for live mortar and 
artillery fire.

Military pushes bird bill
EXEMPT: U.S. House considers measure to allow armed forces to skirt
environmental laws.

By Liz Ruskin 
Anchorage Daily News

(Published: May 8, 2002)

Washington -- The U.S. House of Representatives is about to take up a 
bill that would exempt the military from certain environmental laws, 
including the ban on accidentally killing migratory birds.

Supporters say ever-increasing limitations on when and where troops may
train, even on Department of Defense land set aside for training, makes
exercises less realistic and threatens military readiness.

Environmentalists and House Democrats say the laws already allow 
exemptions in the name of national security. They say the Bush 
administration is using the war on terrorism as an excuse to roll back 
environmental laws.

"Wrapping the flag around this anti-environmental agenda is not only
unpatriotic, it is irresponsible," said Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.V.

Other members of Congress said they've toured military installations and 
seen for themselves that environmental laws have gotten out of hand.

For the rest of the story, see
http://www.adn.com/alaska/v-printer/story/1064675p-1171802c.html.


Bob McNally 


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Robert Aquinas McNally, Writer & Editor
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