Guardians of the Range

IMPLEMENTING GRAZING PROVISIONS IN FISCAL YEAR 2012 APPROPRIATIONS ACT; RANGELAND MANAGEMENT (1020)

Click on this link to read the latest on the Implementing Grazing Provisions in Fiscal Year 2012 Appropriations Act; Rangeland Management (1020)

GAO REPORT EXPOSES MILLIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION FEES FOR THE FIRST TIME

Based on a snapshot of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) litigation of the past couple of years, environmental groups (ENGOs) profited more than any other plaintiff, including industry, from attorney's fees paid from environmental litigation against EPA. This is the first time the federal government has released such data. Under certain statutes the EPA and Treasury Department are required to reimburse attorney's fees to plaintiffs that successfully challenge the EPA. These environmental groups where the recipients of 82% of all attorneys fees reimbursed by the government. In comparison, industry was only awarded 7% of attorney's fees in litigation. In addition to attorney's fees awarded, the research found that Justice spent at least $43 million in taxpayer dollars defending EPA in court from 1998-2010. If that doesn't get your blood boiling maybe this will. Earthjustice, whose net assets reported in 2009 where $32,377,514.00, was awarded $4,655,425.60 in attorney fees reimbursement from their EPA litigation activities.

Following is the summary of data that was uncovered by U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW) Ranking Member Jim Inhofe and EPW Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Ranking Member David Vitter from the Government Accountability Office. Click on the link below titled "GAO Report" to read further.

This fine investigative work was requested by Western Legacy Alliance and compiled by the staff of U. S. Senators James M. Inhofe of Oklahoma and David Vitter of Louisiana! The Guardians so appreciate this effort!

GAO Report

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