Official Defends Review

A leading representative of Northwest counties joined Clinton administration officials Tuesday in defending a sweeping environmental review of the Columbia River basin as a way to fend off lawsuits over logging and grazing operations.

Oregon county official John Howard testified before the House Appropriations subcommittee on the interior about the Columbia River basin ecosystem review opposed by several Northwest Republicans.

But his testimony in support of completing the review was at odds with many local officials who believe the study will prove harmful to Northwest loggers and ranchers.

Rep. George Nethercutt, R-Wash. helped lead an unsuccessful attempt earlier this year to block completion of a formal environmental impact statement as part of the review.

Rep. Helen Chenoweth, R-Idaho, told the panel on Tuesday she shared Nethercutt’s concerns. Chenoweth urged the panel to eliminate all funding for the review.

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