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"The last thing this program is, is another regulatory program," assured
Katie McGinty, VP Al Gore’s Czar on Clinton’s Council on Environmental Quality
(CEQ).
In his State of the Union Address, Clinton announced the American Heritage Rivers
Initiative to "support communities in their efforts to restore and protect
America’s Rivers." Under this program, he wants to designate 10 rivers as
Heritage Rivers in 1997. These rivers will receive special recognition and focused federal
support.
 |
After originally allowing only two weeks for public comment, the CEQ
(after many complaints) extended the comment period to August 20th. |
Comments must be received by 5:00 PM E.S.T. on 8/20 and should be mailed to:
Council on Environmental Quality
Old Executive Office Building, Room 360
Washington DC 20501
- Call Karen Hobbs at CEQ for a copy of the American Heritage Rivers Initiative
- (202) 395-7417 or fax a request to (202) 456-6546.
-
Some key points to consider:
- The initiative proposes to control rivers for "natural, historic, cultural, social,
economic and ecological diversity."
- Thirteen federal agencies will be involved in the planning, implementation, management
and enforcement of Heritage Rivers.
- Together with the federal agencies, a federally appointed "River Navigator"
(originally called a caseworker) could control all land use and management activities
within the designated area.
- Nominations of rivers can come from any source, in or out of the
"river community" -- from private citizens, educational, artistic or
environmental organizations, or elected officials.
- This program encourages the cooperation and approval by local governments
with the lure of major federal grants.
- Designation of a river will be permanent and can include the entire
watershed, including all the tributaries from private property.
- The federal agencies will be granted "flexibility from certain
bureaucratic requirements," effectively allowing them to create special privileges
for themselves while those affected must abide by their rules.
- Aerial photography and satellite surveillance will be used to police and
expand the program.
- Finally, in an end run around Congress, only the President has final
approval of the initiative.
For More Information Contact:
American Land Rights Association
Tel: CompanyPhone
FAX: CompanyFAX
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