LAWMAKER'S RETIREMENT MEANS UNCERTAIN FUTURE FOR DOD EXEMPTIONS

Rep. Joel Hefley's (R-CO) decision not to seek reelection in 2006 signals an uncertain future for environmental exemptions legislation long sought by the Defense Department, according to several sources who have closely followed the legislation. During his 20-year tenure, Hefley, who currently serves as chairman of the House Armed Services readiness subcommittee, has won praise from environmentalists for blocking controversial legislative exemptions sought by DOD as part of its Readiness and Range Preservation Initiative (RRPI) effort to change pollution control...