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View Full Version : 09/01/03 Environmental Groups Oppose NOAA Proposed Changes To Coastal Program



admin
09-02-2003, 06:53 AM
NOAA is in charge of developing the regulations for the management of the nation's coastal zones. A key component of the regulations is the "consistency" provision, a provision which states that proposed development in the coastal zone must be consistent with the plan.

"After careful legal review, Clean Ocean Action (COA) submitted comments to NOAA today strongly opposing the proposed changes to the consistency provision and demand withdrawal of the changes. The proposed changes are a direct assault on fundamental rights of states, local governments, and citizens to assert governance over activities that may affect the coast which would result in greatly diminished protections for the coasts and oceans and the living resources they support. The proposed rule would greatly impact the states' rights in governing what happens in their coastal zones.

NOAA provides evidence in the proposed rule that the program is functioning well with states and federal agencies agreeing to proposals 93% of the time. The program changes are being proposed not because the program is working, but due to industry directives. The opening paragraph of the proposed rules states, "NOAA is proposing this rule to address the CZMA-related recommendations of the [Vice President Cheney] Energy Policy Development Group's Energy Report."

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http://publicbroadcasting.net/thenight/news.newsmain?

admin
09-02-2003, 06:55 AM
Senator McCain feels that gasoline stations in his home state may be gouging consumers. He is asking the the FTC to investigate the matter.
If the FTC does an investigation, it could have ramifications at the national level.

"But McCain said Wednesday that he wants the Federal Trade Commission to look into the price gouging that occurred at some Phoenix area gas stations when supplies dwindled and consumers panicked.
McCain chairs the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and has joined the chorus of elected officials and business leaders who want to make sure the unprecedented shortage does not occur again."

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http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2003/08/25/daily33.html