National Marine Fisheries Service’s (NMFS) New Environmental Review Proposal Significantly Limits Public’s Ability to Hold Government Managers Accountable

Pew to host call exposing proposal’s shortcomings

May 14, 2008

WASHINGTON — Today 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 this 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 and Q&A session on a new NEPA proposal issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service 

WHEN:

Today, Wednesday, May 14 at 12 p.m. EDT

CALL LOGISTICS:

Number – 800.290.9461
Password – NEPA

CONTACT:

Dave Bard, 202.486.4426

• Read new fact sheets on overfishing and the National Environmental Policy Act


• Listen to a recording of the May 14th fisheries press briefing (MP3)

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