Wildlife Groups Oppose Waiving Environmental Protections for Space Projects

NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana Wildlife Federation, National Wildlife Federation, and Pontchartrain Conservancy filed comments on proposed rulemaking changes by the Federal Aviation Administration that would impact commercial space launch and reentry actions.

The proposed regulations would waive thirteen different wildlife, water, and public health laws for space development projects at a time when the state of Louisiana is expected to confirm a new space project to be sited in Vermillion Parish coastal marshland.

"Pecan Island is a celebrated piece of Louisiana's 'Sportsman's Paradise,' one of the most productive wildlife habitats in the United States and is incredibly susceptible to coastal erosion and hurricanes," said Rebecca Triche, executive director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation. "The environmental reviews outlined in those 13 statutes matter even more in a place like this."

"Waiving long-standing protections for this kind of development is irresponsible and dangerous," said Amanda Moore, senior director of National Wildlife Federation's Gulf program. "This area is home to whooping cranes and waterfowl, is a vital part of what makes Louisiana an outdoors destination and is already losing land to the Gulf. We need to fully understand the impacts on these waters, our wildlife and our way of life."

"South Louisiana's coast is incredibly important to our people, wildlife, economy, and culture," said Kristi Trail, executive director of Pontchartrain Conservancy. "With significant coastal restoration efforts already underway in Vermilion Parish and across the region, we cannot afford to move forward with development without fully understanding and addressing its potential impacts. These environmental protections exist for a reason, and waiving them puts coastal Louisiana and our future at risk."

Of the 13 statues the FAA is proposing to waive, the following are of direct concern to these three organizations:

• The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which requires an environmental analysis that identifies wildlife and habitat impacts;
• The Endangered Species Act (ESA), including the Section 7 consultation requirement that protects listed species;
• The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA);
• The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protections implicated through NEPA review;
• The Clean Water Act (CWA), including Section 401 certification and Section 404 dredge-and-fill permitting for wetlands;
• The Clean Air Act (CAA) conformity requirements;
• The Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), which governs federal consistency with state coastal programs; and
• The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which includes essential fish habitat consultation.

View the full text of the letter at lawildlifefed.org.

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Louisiana Wildlife Federation (LWF) is a statewide conservation organization with more than 11,000 members from across the state representing a broad constituency of hunters, anglers, birders, boaters, campers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Celebrating 85 years, its mission is to be the voice of Louisiana's wildlife and natural resources. Find out more or become a member today at lawildlifefed.org.

Pontchartrain Conservancy: Pontchartrain Conservancy is a New Orleans-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to an environmentally sustainable, prosperous and resilient region. Our mission is to drive environmental sustainability and stewardship through scientific research, education and advocacy. Pontchartrain Conservancy consists of a board of directors representing Lake Pontchartrain Basin parishes and regulatory agencies. For more information or to get involved, visit www.scienceforourcoast.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @PontchartrainConservancy.

The National Wildlife Federation works to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife and people thrive in a rapidly changing world.