NGO's
(Non-Governmental Organizations) Created to address
one or more environmental issues Act as a "lobby"
speaking for the protection of the environment before Congress, State Legislatures,
and local councils and boards Strong education
component for informing the public about environmental problems Usually have a
specific focus and relatively narrow agenda (e.g., National Audubon Society
was set up to protect bird habitat and organize tours for birdwatching;
whereas, The Nature Conservancy is dedicated to purchasing/receiving lands
to be preserved and/or managed for their environmental value; the Sierra
Club focuses on lands in the Western U.S.; Greenpeace takes more provocative
and challenging positions, for example, speaking out about overfishing,
whaling, etc.) These organizations
seldom have an ongoing source of income, and must depend upon the public's
support Government
Agencies (a few examples) U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA) (administers environmental laws) U.S. Department
of Energy (USDOE) (fosters development of renewable energy) U.S. Department
of Interior National Oceanographic
and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) U.S. Soils Service U.S. Parks Service Nuclear Regulatory
Commission Army Corps of Engineers State Departments
& Agencies (e.g., R.I. Dept. of Environment Management) Local Zoning Commissions
or Boards Local Conservation
Commissions Local Planning
Boards What
Can Citizens Do? Stay informed about
environmental issues and resource protection Speak out about
what needs to be changed or protected (write letters and emails) Join environmental
organizations (BES at Bryant - see Web Address below) http://web.bryant.edu/~BES/ Seek and accept
appointments to local boards and commissions Run for political
office