AK Senator Introduces Legislation on Vieques

[aimeeh@cpeo.org]

After meeting with Puerto Rican governor Pedro Rosello, Senator 
Murkowski (AK-R) introduced an ammendment to the Puerto Rico 
Federal Relations Act, section 606 on Wednesday September 15th.

Introducing the bill (S.1591) Murkowski stated, " ...legislation 
which I have introduced will amend the Puerto Rico Federal 
Relations Act to transfer control over Vieques to the government 
of Puerto Rico for public purposes."

Though it appears that the term "public purposes" is very broad 
the language in the bill specifically references the "...public 
benefit uses applicable to Guam under the Guam Excess Lands Act."

It should be noted that the bill language defines federal lands 
as "all federal property on or within one mile surrounding the 
island of Vieques..."  This is important as live fire training 
takes place in the waters off of Vieques.

The bill was co-sponsered by Senator Schumer (NY-D) and has been 
referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Aimee Houghton
**************


Aimee Houghton
Associate Director, CPEO
122 C Street NW, Suite 7000
Washington, DC  20001-2109
tel: 202-662-18888; fax: 202-628-1825
Email: aimeeh@cpeo.org
http://www.cpeo.org