[CPEO-MEF] Activists, Democrats brace for Defense environment showdown

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Activists, Democrats brace for Defense environment showdown
By John Stanton, CongressDaily
GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE MAGAZINE
May 13, 2003

Environmentalists and House and Senate Democrats are preparing to battle
the Bush administration's efforts to exempt the Defense Department from
a host of key environmental laws, with both chambers expected to take up
the issue over the next two weeks, sources say.

The issue has become increasingly politicized since it was first
broached during the Clinton administration, and the Defense Department
has been criticized by Democrats and Republicans alike for the effort.
The administration has also run into resistance from state officials,
particularly state attorneys general who worry the changes will weaken
the federal backstop and result in more stringent controls on private
companies.

Late last week, the House Resources Committee passed legislation
sponsored by Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo, R-Calif., that
would ease controls on military activities under the Endangered Species
Act, federal marine mammal laws and other environmental statutes.

Pombo, along with the White House, has argued the laws can limit the
military's ability to adequately prepare for war. However,
administration officials such as Environmental Protection Agency
Administrator Christie Whitman acknowledge there are no known instances
where environmental rules have hampered Defense's ability to train its
personnel.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0503/051303cdam1.htm

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