An Okinawa prefectural panel that has been studying the government's environmental report on the proposed relocation of a US air base has decided to seek a review of the plan.

The panel met on Tuesday in the city of Ginowan, where the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station is located.

It was the panel's 3rd meeting since the report was delivered to the prefecture late last month.

The panel concluded that the plan to relocate the air station to Nago in another part of Okinawa is problematic in terms of environmental conservation.

It cited the possible negative impact of deploying the Marines' MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft there, and noted that the deployment was announced when the environmental assessment was already in its final stage.

The panel noted that local residents have been strongly demanding a reassessment.

The governor of Okinawa is expected to submit a request to the government that's in line with the panel's recommendations.

News credit: http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120131_20.html

Image credit: http://www2.2space.net/images/upl_news/101129/1291012204.jpg