BY BILL WALSH
c.2004 Newhouse News Service
WASHINGTON -- The Department of Defense is once again asking Congress to exempt its live-fire training exercises from certain environmental restrictions, saying that troop preparedness is at stake.
Over the past two years, Congress has granted the military leeway from provisions of federal laws designed to protect marine mammals, endangered species and migratory birds. Now the Pentagon is seeking extra time to comply with the Clean Air Act, plus exemption of thousands of firing and bombing ranges around the country from hazardous waste laws.
Environmental groups say the military's proposals would deal a blow to public health. They also challenge the Pentagon's claim that training has suffered, saying there is no evidence that American soldiers are unprepared for battle because of environmental restrictions.
The package of legislation will be presented Wednesday before a hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.
"We are looking for modest changes," said Glenn Flood, a spokesman for the Department of Defense. "We need some language (in the law) saying that just because you fire a piece of ammunition doesn't mean you are creating hazardous waste."
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