National Association of Conservation Districts

Action Alert

Action Requested
Date: March 3, 2010
Subject: Open Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) of 2010

NACD has sent a letter to Capitol Hill supporting U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia Lummis’ bill, the Open Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA) of 2010 (see attached). Currently, EAJA allows small businesses, individuals and public interest groups to have their attorney fees paid for by tax dollars when they are the prevailing party during litigation against the government. This legislation addresses the lack of transparency and accountability within this process. The Open EAJA of 2010 would require the General Attorney to provide records regarding plaintiff organizations, attorney’s fees and monetary awards distributed as a result of actions undertaken to be accessible to the public via a searchable data base.

NACD’s policy states that we influence “Congress to provide the general public full access to data giving accurate representation of the Administration of EAJA, allowing tracking of EAJA disbursements, with information regarding plaintiff organizations, attorney’s fees and monetary awards distributed as a result of actions undertaken on EAJA and fully fund and staff the Administrative Conference of the U.S.”

ACTION REQUEST
NACD asks that you contact your Members of Congress and tell them to SUPPORT Congresswoman Lummis’ efforts to bring government oversight to the spending of tax dollars by COSPONSORING her legislation.

REPORT BACK
We rely on your feedback to know which Members of Congress have been contacted, what questions or feedback they have, and where additional information may be needed. Please report your contacts to Danielle-dills@nacdnet.org.  

Should you have questions regarding the Open EAJA of 2010 or how to contact your Member, do not hesitate to contact me at 202-547-6223.