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Mar 12 2009 -- Apr 13 2009 Navy Extends Comment Period to April 13 |  The Navy has extended the public comment period, yet again, on its proposal to expand its use of the Northwest Training Range Complex off the Oregon coast. This time the extension is to April 13, 2009, the extension date initially requested by the Democratic members of Oregon's congressional delegation.
Word of this extension comes a day after Oregon Shores joined with concerned citizens and other organizations as a signer to comments submitted by the Natural Resources Defense Council, which are posted below along with comments from other key state and federal agencies and others.
Because the Navy website does not provide access to comments that have been submitted on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement/Oversees EIS, Oregon Shores is posting comments from key agencies here and is urging our members, CoastWatch volunteers and the public to review the expert comments to help you prepare and submit your own comments to the Navy. Having comments from many citizens will help to show the breadth of concern about potential impacts on our marine environment.
In a related action, today's Federal Register announced that the National Marine Fisheries Service is requesting comments on the Navy's application for a "Letter of Authorization" (LOA) to take marine mammals incidental to its training in the Northwest Training Range Complex. Comments must be received by April 10. Oregon Shores will continue to work with others to submit comments and urge the NMFS to impose meaningful and protective safeguards.
This is the first Navy LOA to be fully considered by the Obama Administration, (as the Hawaii, SoCal and AFAST rules were pushed through in December and January). It would be comforting if Dr. Jane Lubchenco were in place at NOAA's helm, though she has not yet been confirmed by the US Senate.
Related Web resources:
March 11: Comment submitted by ODFW
March 10: Comments prepared by Natural Resource Defense Council, signed by Oregon Shores
February 22: the Navy's Website page for submitting comments online
February 18: Oregon Department of Enviromental Quality Comments on the Navy DEIS
February 18: Governor Kulongoski's letter requesting additional public meetings
February 17: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Comments on the Navy DEIS
February 17: Oregon Shores' letter to the Navy requesting extension
February 13: Oregon Democratic Congressional delegation response to Navy Brief
February 6: Oregon Democratic Congressional delegation letter requesting extension
Articles on topic 'Navy Training':
Mar 11 2012 Navy Contemplates Impacts of Offshore War Zone
Mar 12 2009 Navy Extends Comment Period to April 13
Feb 23 2009 Navy Holds Open House for Comments in Tillamook
Feb 22 2009 Navy Extends Public Comment Period on EIS/OEIS to March 11
 Contact: Robin Hartmann, Ocean Program Director, (541) 672-3694, or EMAIL |
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