The NPS wants help ASAP in de-jargonizing its PR
under NEPA. Translated, that means for the first time in 12 years
the National Park Service is considering changes in procedure under
the National Environmental Policy Act, the mother of all
environmental protection. Passed in 1969, the act describes which
environmental impacts the federal government must examine whenever
it undertakes a major action. But because environmental impact
statements often obscure more than illuminate, the agency wants
advice on how to talk straight: “Do you need us to write in
declarative sentences?” asks agency spokesman Jake Hoogland. “Are
environmental assessments and impact statements read at all?” The
agency is also considering how the law’s requirements might be
better integrated with other aspects of Park Service planning,
including resource management and mining plans of operation.
Written comments regarding desirable changes, including time limits
for public comment, should be sent by Nov. 30 to Jake Hoogland,
Environmental Quality Division, National Park Service Room 1210,
1849 C Street N.W., Washington, DC 20240
(202/208-5214).
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Say what?.
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