The group claims that the EPA has allowed many dischargers to operate without reviewing their expired permits. Forest Guardians is also threatening to sue the federal government and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy for diverting Rio Grande water, charging that low water levels are threatening the endangered silvery minnow. Dry conditions in the middle Rio Grande river south of Albuquerque have led water managers to plan cutting back on water flows maintained for the benefit of the fish. The BLM has asked Congress to insert a grazing rider into the Interior Appropriations bill. The BLM initiated this rider in the Chairman's mark, which would allow the agency to reissue grazing permits that expire in FY 99 for two years without complying with environmental law.
Permits expire, grazing continues unregulated.
It's bad enough for extractive industries and their minions in Congress to push for anti-environmental riders, but for the agencies themselves to do so is worse. A larger than normal number of expiring permits that occurs every ten years. But rather than plan ahead, ask for additional resources or even try to meet this workload, the BLM apparently has decided to trample on NEPA - and the public's lands. The American public will not stand for legislating by rider again. Cite some that are pending.