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For Immediate
Release:
November 3, 2005
NEPA Task Force
To Scrutinize Lawsuit Trend
Katrina,
grazing act as case studies
Washington, DC
- The Task Force on Updating the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will hold a
hearing on
NEPA Litigation:
The Causes, Effects and Solutions
Thursday, Nov. 10 at 10:00 a.m. in 1324
Longworth House Office Building.
"Lengthy
litigation has become a standard delay and
obstruction tactic in the NEPA process, as we
learned from witnesses throughout the past six
months," said Task Force Chairwoman Cathy
McMorris (R-WA). "Agencies and communities not
only face a complicated process and tough
decisions, but sometimes they are met with
endless litigation and troubling consequences
when considering certain projects. The Task
Force will evaluate the use of litigation, its
impact on the NEPA process and the way it can
redefine NEPA requirements."
In the course of
conducting five field hearings, the Task Force
members heard that litigation was the primary
cause for delays as well as the best method
for enforcing NEPA. It was also clear that
certain groups and individuals opposed to a
project will litigate, using NEPA claims, to
stall or stop a project entirely.
The Task Force
hearing will study the causes and effects of
litigation through two case studies. The first
case study will focus on the 1977 lawsuit
filed in New Orleans against construction of
flood barriers. The second study will examine
the numerous lawsuits across the West filed
over the issuance of grazing permits on public
lands.
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