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Clean Water Act Policy Rider

There continues to be a concern that a policy rider in a Senate Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill that exempts the repeal of the Clean Water Rule from the Administrative Procedures Act might make its way to final passage of a Fiscal Year 2018 spending bill.  Earlier this year, the CASS groups sent... Read More

Pebble Mine: Stakeholder Concerns over Fisheries Impacts Sway EPA

After hearing directly from stakeholders and the people of Alaska, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is suspending its process to withdraw the proposed restrictions on Pebble Mine. This decision would leave the restrictions in place while the agency receives more information on the potential mine’s impact.  In a statement released on January 26, the agency said,... Read More

AFS Objects to EPA’s Withdrawal of Pebble Mine Determination

UPDATE: The Pebble Limited Partnership has filed its permit application with the Corps of Engineers which has determined that it will conduct an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to comply with its NEPA review of the project. The lengthy process requires that a comprehensive “alternatives assessment” be undertaken to consider a broad range of development alternatives... Read More

Thank you, Tom Bigford

With the new year comes bittersweet news from AFS headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland: Tom Bigford is retiring as Director of Policy, with Drue Winters taking his place at the helm. “While Tom will continue to participate in AFS activities as a member of the Society, his invaluable expertise and persona will be greatly missed. Tom... Read More

Policy Outlook for 2018

AFS had plenty of reasons to stand up for fish and aquatic resources in 2017. From the Trump Administration’s proposed budget cuts to conservation funding to the repeal of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. Rule (WOTUS), the Society has been working to ensure that Congress and federal agencies consider the best available science when... Read More

National Fish Habitat Effort Focuses on Imperiled Waters

The National Fish Habitat Partnership (NFHP) is an 11-year-old effort to shift attention, effort, and limited resources to state, federal, and private sectors with interests in fish habitats. Their mission is to protect, restore, and enhance the nation’s fish and aquatic communities through partnerships that foster fish habitat conservation and improve the quality of life... Read More

Ocean Policy Debate Restarts in Congress

The National Ocean Policy, launched by President Barack Obama in 2010, is facing congressional scrutiny regarding its scope and cost after seven years of slow but steady progress on the effort. In early December, the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard convened a hearing entitled “National Ocean Policy: Stakeholder Perspectives.”... Read More