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

WASHINGTON, May. 13 /PRNewswire/ --

Pew to host call exposing proposal's shortcomings

WASHINGTON, May 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- 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 of the Federal Fisheries Program at the Pew Environment Group (Moderator)

Sarah Chasis, Senior Attorney and Director of the Water and Coastal Program, Natural Resources Defense Council

Steve Roady, Attorney with 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.**