[CPEO-MEF] Spots nudge Warner to remember wildlife

[CPEO Moderator <cpeo@cpeo.org>]

Virginia
THE DAILY PRESS
Spots nudge Warner to remember wildlife
David Lerman
Published October 12 2003

WASHINGTON -- "Some politicians are trying to put one government agency
above the law," a female voice tells listeners in a new radio ad.

"And Senator Warner can stop them," a male voice replies.

The ad, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation, takes aim at
Virginia's senior senator as he negotiates a compromise version of a
defense authorization bill that could loosen environmental regulations
on military bases.

The bill would allow the Defense Department to avoid having its land
designated as "critical habitat" under the Endangered Species Act,
provided the Pentagon has a management plan in place that would protect
threatened species living on military property.

The Pentagon has pushed the measure for at least two years, saying the
stringent requirements of the Endangered Species Act can hinder military
training exercises.

But the precise wording of the provision has stirred up a contentious
debate on Capitol Hill.

The House version of the bill, backed by the Pentagon, has broad
language allowing the Defense Department to escape from the Endangered
Species Act through a natural resources management plan.

The Senate bill, however, would require the Secretary of Interior to
issue a written determination that the management plan on a military
base "will effectively conserve threatened species" and will provide
adequate funding to enforce it.

As chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. John W. Warner,
R-Va., plays a pivotal role in negotiating a compromise bill.

This article can be viewed at:
http://www.dailypress.com/news/columnists/dp-91629cm0oct12,0,2725997.column?coll=dp-news-columnists

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