House Committee wants to avoid pro-environmentalists knowing about hearing

[housewolf]

The House Resources Committee has jurisdiction over public lands and many of our nation's most important enviromental laws. Its chair, Richard Pombo (R-CA) has long been an opponent of NEPA, the National Environmental Policy Act, which requires environmental impact statements for major federal actions and permit decisions. Earlier this year, Mr. Pombo established an ad hoc "Task Force" to investigate NEPA and document its problems, setting up the case for amendment to this important law that has been a mainstay of environmental protection for 35 years.


The first "hearing" in Spokane, Washington, did not go so well for the task force. More than 100 people showed up, and contrary to expectations, virtually all of them supported the law, talked about its great value for the environment, and emphasized that it should be retained as it provides the public with input into government decisions. Immediately afterward, the schedule for the rest of the hearings disappeared.

A month and a half went by with no word on the next hearing.

Over the weekend, the next hearing was scheduled-- In eastern Arizona. On Saturday the 18th. At a rural school.
http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/nepataskforce/schedule.htm
As expected, the opponents of NEPA have been lined up to testify, while everybody else has less than a week to get organized and get there, if they can at all. In short, if you run Congress and you don't hear what you want to hear, just don't let the public know where they can be heard until the last minute. Meanwhile, give your friends the inside track on time and place. Voila -- suddenly the testimony is completely different! Spread the word.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2005/6/14/16537/4998