ESA Efforts Heating Up in U.S. Congress

Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) announced plans to develop and introduce legislation aimed at reforming the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Crapo and Lincoln are co-chairing a congressional working group as part of their efforts on ESA reform.  Earlier this year, Crapo and Lincoln joined with House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (R-Calif.), Sen. Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.) and Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) to say they would work together to “improve and update” the act, which they criticized for listing thousands of species but only recovering less than 1 percent.

“In looking at the ESA, I'm convinced that it can be improved,” Lincoln said. “All parties involved recognize the value of biological diversity, and I believe solutions can be found that will better protect species without hindering the rights of landowners.” Crapo and Lincoln say their legislation aims to meet criteria in the following five areas:

•  Incentives: This includes direct payments to landowners for their commitments to conservation.

•  Commitments: The commitment to recovery must be as serious as commitments to protection. The government has worked hard over the first 30 years of the Act to protect species. It must build on that with more progress toward recovery.

• State roles: Involving states involves more wildlife professionals

and access to existing relationships with landowners, both of which enlarge the team of people promoting recovery.

•  Critical Habitat: Habitat is critical to wildlife, but the Critical Habitat provisions of the Act need reform. The goal should be to protect and improve habitat in the most effective way possible.

•  Science: Just as habitat is fundamental to wildlife, science is fundamental to how we care for wildlife. Science must be credible, reliable, and subject to independent review to provide a more open process for contentious decision-making.

Producers Urged to Get Involved in ESA Discussions

NCBA and the Public Lands Council support the more efficient recovery of species, sound science in decision-making and general improvements which reduce the regulatory and litigious burden on landowners. NCBA and Public Lands Council producer-members are reminded and encouraged to contact their congressional representatives  and voice their support for these efforts to improve the Endangered Species Act.

Crapo and Lincoln say they want to hear from people on the ground at the local level.  “We will listen to all interests, work to create win-win solutions and draft legislation thoughtfully. Our goal is to spark and sustain more active recovery for listed species by working cooperatively with landowners.”