ABQjournal: Environmental Law Plans to Be Discussed Monday in Rio Rancho By Tania Soussan, Journal Staff Writer

A congressional task force considering changes to one of the nation’s most important environmental laws will hold a hearing in Rio Rancho on Monday.

The National Environmental Policy Act, known as NEPA, requires that major federal projects be reviewed for environmental and public health impacts.

The 35-year-old law also mandates public involvement and consideration of alternatives to minimize significant impacts.

Industry has argued that NEPA is a lengthy and cumbersome process that should be streamlined. …

Rep. Tom Udall, D-N.M., the ranking member of the task force, said he thinks the law is working.

Environmentalists are worried Congress will weaken the federal law and cut out opportunities for public comment. …

The task force is scheduled to hear from 14 witnesses, including New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Secretary Joanna Prukop, Albuquerque City Councilor Martin Heinrich, former Lt. Gov. Walter Bradley, a representative of the New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau and the vice president of Burlington Resources’ San Juan Division.

The hearing, which is open to the public, is at 10 a.m. at Rio Rancho High School, 301 Loma Colorado.

Only invited witnesses will be allowed to testify, but the public can submit written comments by e-mail to nepataskforce@mail.house.gov.