06-December-2013

FaegreBD Consulting senior advisor Alex Beehler took part in a panel discussion hosted by the Environmental Law Institute (ELI), on the responsibilities of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) in protecting the local environment on the more than 30 million acres of land they utilize. The panel, moderated by ELI president, John Cruden, discussed the challenges facing the DOD, how they're being addressed and the successes the agency's had as stewards of environmental resources.

Beehler, former Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Installations & Environment) at DOD detailed the "extraordinary" work the military does in the area of environmental protection and research saying, "The military through the U.S. Navy is the number one supporter of marine mammal research in the world by far." He goes on to provide other examples of further value provided the DOD including its handling of forestlands and woodlands, and the military's role in the delisting of the American bald eagle from the endangered species list.

Beehler stressed the importance of informing the public, political leaders and other government agencies about the enormous measures the DOD takes to protect and enhance the environment, particularly in a time when several federal budgets are being tightened.