New Environmental Review Proposal Limits Public’s Ability to Hold Government Managers Accountable

Date: May 14, 2008

Location:
Conference Call
1200 18th St. NW

Washington, DC 20036

Description:

Tomorrow, May 14 at 12 p.m. EDT, the Pew Environment Group will host a tele-press briefing to provide immediate insight and political analysis on a proposed fisheries rule issued that morning by NMFS.  This rulemaking outlines how the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) -- the nation’s preeminent environmental law -- applies to federal ocean fisheries management actions.  The proposal provides the regional fishery councils, which have a history of poor management, with increased authority while reducing the public’s ability to participate in the review process.

By law, NMFS is mandated to revise and update agency procedures for complying with NEPA.  NEPA requires that a thorough environmental review precede any significant activities by the federal government.  This requirement serves the dual purpose of alerting the public to proposed actions and helping public officials make decisions that are based on a thorough understanding of the environmental consequences. 

WHO: 

• Lee Crockett – director, federal fisheries policy, Pew Environment Group (moderator)
• Sarah Chasis – senior attorney and director of the water and coastal program, Natural Resources Defense Council  
• Steve Roady – attorney, Earthjustice

WHAT: 
Tele-press briefing on a new NEPA proposal issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service 

WHEN: 
Wednesday, May 14 at 12 p.m. EDT
 
CALL LOGISTICS: 
Number – 800.290.9461
Password – NEPA

CONTACT:
Dave Bard, 202.486.4426
 
**This call is for credentialed press only.  The call will be recorded and posted as an mp3 to www.endoverfishing.org approximately three hours after the call ends.**