Castle Opposes Logging Legislation Portrayed as Environmentally Friendly, Calls it a Sham

Castle Opposes Logging Legislation Portrayed as Environmentally Friendly, Calls it a Sham

Delaware Congressman Mike Castle today voted no on the Forest Emergency Recovery & Research Act (H.R. 4200), presented as an environmentally friendly bill, but which Rep. Castle called a sham, saying that it instead weakens current environmental laws and regulations. The bill would establish new procedures for federal agencies to expedite salvage logging projects under the guise of rehabilitating federal land after 'catastrophic' events, such as fire, floods, or other disasters.

"I voted against this legislation because it would weaken the environmental laws and regulations associated with our national forests. While claiming to establish an improved response system to forest fires and other catastrophic events, it instead allows agencies to bypass environmental review on an expedited basis in order to address circumstances beyond what most would view as "emergencies." The authority given in this bill is a significant and unnecessary environmental rollback of our landmark environmental protections, like the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act." Castle said.

http://www.house.gov/castle/pr_06_logging.html