Original article is at Planet Waves
by CAROL VAN STRUM and FE BONGOLAN
Dear Friend and Reader:
In what appears to be a breakthrough and a victory for public activism, we have learned that the Oregon Congressional delegation, led by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR 5th District), has today requested Naval Secretary Donald Winter to extend the public review and comment process on the Navy's Environmental Impact Statement for its proposed use of the Pacific Northwest Coast as a target practice range.
UPDATE: A copy of the letter from Oregon's congressional delegation to the Naval Secretary can be found here.
Here is the text of of Rep. Schrader's press statement:
Congressman Kurt Schrader
Oregon's 5th Congressional District
Contact: James Atkin, (202) 226-8046
February 6, 2009
For Immediate Release
SCHRADER CALLS FOR EXTENSION OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD ON INCREASED NAVAL ACTIVITIES OFF THE OREGON COAST
Washington D.C. U.S. Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-OR) today lead several members of the Oregon delegation in calling for an extension of the public comment period and additional community hearings into the Navy's planned expansion of military exercises off the Oregon coast.
In a letter to Navy Secretary Donald C. Winter, Congressman Schrader joined with Congressmen Blumenauer, DeFazio, Wu as well as Senators Wyden and Merkley to argue that:
Many citizens who live in potentially affected areas along the Oregon coast have expressed concern and frustration at the lack of public notice and the limited time to provide official comments to the U.S. Navy.
The Oregon delegation is calling for an extension to the public comment period until April 11th, and calling for at least 2 additional public meetings to provide additional opportunities for members of the community to discuss the new proposals.
We believe that successful and innovative projects in Oregon require an open, fair communication process between private businesses, government and citizens, continued the letter.
Congressman Schrader represents the 5th Congressional District of Oregon which includes the counties of Benton, Clackamas Lincoln, Marion, Multnomah, Polk and Tillamook. He is the chair of the Finance and Tax Subcommittee of the House Committee on Small Business. He also serves on the House Agriculture Committee and the House Budget Committee. The full letter is attached.
Take this for what it is, friends and neighbors. This is what happens when we gather together to push open the doors and make the government we have work for us. Be ready to continue on from here. But tonight let's breathe this one in. Savor this moment. This is what a victory looks like.
Thank you for your hard work. Its paid off! Now, onward...
PS: PLEASE THANK YOUR CONGRESSPEOPLE FOR GETTING ON THIS, AND TELL THEM TO STAY ON IT!!