ENVIRONMENT: Public losing its voice

My concern is in regard to the sweeping policy changes to The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 enacted by the U.S. Congress in 1970 [Pub.L. 91–190] that would eliminate public involvement and environmental review.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 is a United States environmental law that promotes the enhancement of the environment and established the President’s Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The law was enacted on Jan. 1, 1970, and grew out of the increased public appreciation and concern for the environment that developed during the 1960s, amid increased industrialization, urban and suburban growth, and pollution across the United States.

NEPA was necessary to require federal agencies to evaluate the environmental effects of their actions. Its most significant outcome was the requirement that all executive federal agencies prepare environmental assessments (EAs) and environmental impact statements (EISs). These reports state the potential environmental effects of proposed federal agency actions.

I understand that the U.S. Forest Service is proposing sweeping changes that would eliminate public involvement and environmental review for most decisions that impact public forest lands. The public comment period about the proposed rule change ended Aug. 12.

I don’t want to lose my knowledge and understanding of what is happening in our remaining wild, roadless lands and ecosystems. I want to keep my ability to voice my public voice. I want environmental impact analyses to continue to be done in order to understand what might be lost at the expense of what might be gained. As a citizen, I want to retain my right to know, ask questions, and express my opinion about what happens on my public lands.

PATTIE STRUB

Coeur d’Alene