Conservationists Object to Forest Service Rule Change
Andrea Sears, Producer
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
NEW YORK — Conservation groups say proposed changes to the National Environmental Policy Act would cut off the public's right to comment on more than 90% of decisions affecting national forests and grasslands.
The groups filed their objections to the proposal with the U.S. Forest Service on Monday.
According to Olivia Glasscock, associate attorney with the environmental law firm Earthjustice, part of the proposal broadens so-called categorical exclusions, usually reserved for projects like hiking trail restoration, to include projects that could threaten the environment.
"Projects that would allow oil and gas activity, logging and mining interests to move forward without the public ever having a chance to comment on how those projects would affect them,” Glasscock said.
The Forest Service says the changes are needed to speed up projects. But conservationists argue public input and transparent analysis are more efficient for decision making.
Glasscock pointed out that a primary purpose of the National Environmental Policy Act is to give the public an opportunity to provide input on government decision making.
"So that the government is held accountable; so that we know the government is making informed decisions,” she said. “And this proposed rule would shut the public out of decisions affecting our national forests and grasslands."
Monday was the final day for public comments. The conservation groups say if the Forest Service goes through with the changes, the agency will be challenged in court.
get more stories like this via email
Social Issues
Pennsylvania is among the states where massive protests and tent encampments opposing the war in Gaza are growing. Elez Beresin-Scher, a sociology …
Health and Wellness
Studies show suicide is a serious public health problem, claiming more than 48,000 lives each year in the nation. A new initiative from the Zero …
Social Issues
By Kate Mothes for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collab…
Health and Wellness
As Children's Mental Health Awareness Week kicks off in Arkansas, an expert said parents can help their children have a healthy brain to thrive…
Health and Wellness
Toughing it out during spring allergy season is not in your best interest if you want to avoid asthma later in life. New Mexico has plenty of grass …
Social Issues
Michigan legislators are tackling predatory lending practices, aiming to set standards for payday loans and maximum interest rates. In Kent County …