Ron Wyden: “I have sensed from the beginning of the debate that probably the most contentious issue coming up is this question of…”

“I have sensed from the beginning of the debate that probably the most contentious issue coming up is this question of making sure the public is still involved in the process, the whole question of what is called NEPA, the National Environmental Policy Act. The other body, in effect, takes the public out of the process by predetermining these NEPA alternatives. What we have said in our compromise would be to say the public can actually offer an alternative. The public has a right to go into this process, known as scoping, and actually come to the table and offer an alternative. The Senator has made the point that not one current opportunity for public comment would be lost under this compromise.”