TRANSFER
a publication of the Surface Transportation Policy Project
Volume X, Issue 7; July 1, 2004
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- Administration Signals Opposition to Certain Environmental Provisions,
Seeks Further Weakening of Section 4(f) Standard

Among its recommendations on provisions in the pending TEA-21 renewal bills,
the Administration signaled opposition to a number of proposals, undermining
current NEPA protections for non-transportation interests, most notably
resources agencies, and how their responsibilities and roles are threatened
by pending proposals, particularly provisions in the Senate-passed bill. To
view Secretary Mineta's letter, go to
http://www.transact.org/transfer/pdfs/Inhofe.pdf, and for its enclosure
visit http://www.transact.org/transfer/pdfs/enclosure.pdf  .

The Administration also renewed its request for more dramatic changes to
current law protections for historic, park, refuge and other resources under
Section 4(f). Congress has largely rejected the Administration's broad-based
attack on this standard, but the Senate proposal, while providing reasonable
protections for historic resources, substantially threatens current Section
4(f) protections for other resources.

Responding to pending Congressional proposals on Section 4(f), a broad
coalition of national and state park and recreation associations as well as
national transportation and environmental organizations recently wrote to
the conferees, urging support for House-passed provisions affecting Section
4(f) protections for non-historic resources. To view this letter, go to -
http://www.transact.org/transfer/pdfs/4fletter.pdf

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