Japan Press Weekly

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2012 September 19 - 25 [US FORCES]

US Osprey training not conducted in US

The United States has cancelled or postponed a number of plans to conduct low-altitude flight training of Ospreys at home because of a domestic law that reflects the opinions of residents, the National Environment Policy Act (NEPA).

The U.S. Air Force was planning to carry out low-altitude flight exercises of the CV22 Ospreys in areas across New Mexico and Colorado.

However, the USAF was forced to change its initial plan to one largely reducing training areas as a result of eight public hearings that were held, but the revised plan also met with opposition from local residents. Thus, the plan was indefinitely postponed.

Another plan surfaced in Hawaii to conduct training exercises of MV22s, but facing a spate of opposition from Hawaiian authorities and residents, the Department of Navy withdrew the plan.

What about in Japan?

The strength of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) in Japan is weaker than in the United States. The Japanese one covers only large works projects such as construction of roads, dams, railways, and airports. Environmental impact caused by flights of military aircraft or a change in aircraft models are outside the scope of the Japanese EIA.

Therefore, Japanese people have no other option but to file a lawsuit to officially express their opinion regarding the pros and cons of Osprey flight training plans.

The United States has a double standard, listening to U.S. citizens while ignoring Japanese citizens.