05-05-2003, 10:24 PM
[font "Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"]Missouri Wetlands Might Face Destruction[/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]JEFFERSON CITY, MO--The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently announced that it is surrendering veto power over federal water projects that impact wetlands, rivers and streams. Federal officials say they know of no other state that has given up this authority. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]The Missouri DNR says the move will save the state $99,000 annually. Critics, however, say that's a small savings, considering the Bush administration is already narrowing the definition of protected wetlands, making it easier to destroy them. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]In the past, the DNR has used its authority to block or force modifications of projects that require federal permits. In one of its more controversial decisions, it denied certification for the St. Johns Bayou-New Madrid Floodway project on the Mississippi River, arguing the work would threaten water quality and wildlife. That decision is now being appealed. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]The DNR says political pressure wasn't a factor in its decision. Budgetary considerations, it insists, took precedence, as Missouri experienced a $67 million shortfall. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]DNR Director Steve Mahfood says he expects the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be able to take over the responsibility of reviewing proposed projects to make sure they comply with the federal Clean Water Act. A spokesman for the EPA, however, expressed surprise at the move and indicated the federal agency might not want the added responsibility.[/size][/font]
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[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]JEFFERSON CITY, MO--The Missouri Department of Natural Resources recently announced that it is surrendering veto power over federal water projects that impact wetlands, rivers and streams. Federal officials say they know of no other state that has given up this authority. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]The Missouri DNR says the move will save the state $99,000 annually. Critics, however, say that's a small savings, considering the Bush administration is already narrowing the definition of protected wetlands, making it easier to destroy them. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]In the past, the DNR has used its authority to block or force modifications of projects that require federal permits. In one of its more controversial decisions, it denied certification for the St. Johns Bayou-New Madrid Floodway project on the Mississippi River, arguing the work would threaten water quality and wildlife. That decision is now being appealed. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]The DNR says political pressure wasn't a factor in its decision. Budgetary considerations, it insists, took precedence, as Missouri experienced a $67 million shortfall. [/size][/font]
[font "Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"][size 2]DNR Director Steve Mahfood says he expects the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be able to take over the responsibility of reviewing proposed projects to make sure they comply with the federal Clean Water Act. A spokesman for the EPA, however, expressed surprise at the move and indicated the federal agency might not want the added responsibility.[/size][/font]
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