[CPEO-MEF] Salazar opens fire on military's move to avoid eco-laws

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Colorado
DENVER POST
Article Published: Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 12:00:00 AM MST
Salazar opens fire on military's move to avoid eco-laws
By Anne C. Mulkern, Denver Post Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - Colorado's top law enforcer urged federal lawmakers
Wednesday to block the Pentagon's effort to exempt itself from
environmental laws, arguing it would damage efforts to clean up old
military sites throughout the state.

Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar told lawmakers that weakening
existing restrictions could imperil residents living on or near the old
Lowry Bombing Range northeast of Denver. It could block the cleanup of
TNT-contaminated groundwater flowing from the Pueblo Chemical Depot,
Salazar said, and could prevent the safe destruction of munitions at the
Rocky Mountain Arsenal.

The Department of Defense argues that changes are needed in
environmental laws because current regulations impede training and
military readiness.

"There is no evidence that these laws have adversely impacted military
readiness," Salazar argues in his letter to lawmakers. "The amendments
would severely impair Colorado's ability to protect the health of its
citizens."

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~53~1330718,00.html

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