Number: 1985-10
WHEREAS, the installation in Wyoming, Nebraska and Colorado of the Peacekeeper missile system is of significant potential consequence to wildlife, water supplies, and natural resources, access to public lands, rangelands and farmlands, the agricultural economy, and the traditional economic and recreational pursuits of the residents of the area; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation believes that the project, if constructed, should be developed with adequate mitigation for America’s hunters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts; with sound environmental stewardship; and with minimal disruption to habitat, wildlife, and agricultural activities; and
WHEREAS, these concerns have not been adequately addressed in the Final Environmental Impact Statement for Peacekeeper Missiles in Minuteman Silos; and
WHEREAS, the environmental impact statement requires that state and local governments, i.e., outdoor enthusiasts and other taxpayers within the deployment area, absorb most of the financial costs for water development, roads, recreation, schools, law enforcement, etc., for a significant national project;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 14-17, 1985, in Arlington, Virginia, endorses a reassessment of the United States Air Force’s Final Environmental Impact Statement for Peacekeeper Missiles in Minuteman Silos, to rectify its numerous shortcomings, inconsistencies, and omissions; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, in the event the Peacekeeper project is deployed in the Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado area, the National Wildlife Federation requests that mitigation plans, procedures, and monies be underwritten and funded expeditiously by the United States Congress, the United States Air Force, and relevant Federal agencies in order to minimize the potential adverse impacts of this project.