[CPEO-MEF] GAO says env. laws aren't getting in the way ofmilitary training

[mervtano@iiirm.org]

GAO says environmental laws aren't getting in the way of military
training

Wednesday, July 10, 2002
By John Heilprin, Associated Press

WASHINGTON ? Congressional auditors found little evidence to support
Bush administration claims that military training is hampered by laws 
that protect endangered species and migratory birds. The administration 
asked Congress this year to exempt the military from
some major environmental laws. Two of the proposals, affecting the 1973 
Endangered Species Act and the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act, are 
included in the Republican House version of the defense bill.

The General Accounting Office, in a report that surfaced at a Senate
Environment and Public Works Committee hearing Tuesday, found in May
that the Defense Department had little evidence to support its 
contention that environmental "encroachment" on training bases has hurt 
training. "In fact, most reports show that units have a high state of 
readiness, and they are largely silent on the issue of encroachment," 
said the GAO, Congress' investigative arm.

The Navy's No. 2 officer, Adm. William J. Fallon, said environmental
litigation has resulted in restrictions in training. He also said
environmental groups try to use the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as "a
vehicle for regulating a wide range of activities that affect nearly 
every species of bird."

For the rest of the story see:
http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/07/07102002/ap_47793.asp

Mervyn L. Tano

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