Environmental Groups Concerned About Possible NEPA Changes

The White House and Congress are looking at making changes to the National Environmental Policy Act, calling the act to burdensome.  However, that potential review is making some environmental groups nervous.  NEPA was intended to evaluate the potential environmental impact on infrastructure projects.

Attorney Susan Jane Brown with Western Environmental Law Center claims the law allows agencies to "look before they leap."  However many across the agriculture community struggle with the legislation.

"There are many in the administration that have taken the House's willingness to gut NEPA as a green light to proceed with larger policy initiatives coming from the executive branch that have the same sort of impact."

One review now underway under NEPA is looking at dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers and their impact on fish.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com