Trump FWS Conditionally Supports GOP-Backed Endangered Species Act Modernization Bills
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) at a House hearing earlier this month supported parts of five Endangered Species Act (ESA) reform bills introduced by Republicans. Greg Sheehan, the acting FWS Director was the lead government witness at hearing conducted by the House Natural Resources Committee.
“In general, the Administration supports these bills,” he said. “The Service welcomes the opportunity to work with the Committee to address recommended technical modifications.”
Mr. Sheehan’s testimony also emphasized the importance of collaborative partnerships with landowners, states, tribes, and localities in order to gain critical research.
While the Committee’s Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UTAH) stated that “over 50” related hearings have been conducted by his committee in recent Congresses and that he would like to set a foundation for ESA reform, Committee Democrats expressed frustration that Congress should leave the controversial law alone. More than 400 environmental organizations from every state signed on to a letter urging Congressional leaders to fully fund the law and fight any proposals or policy riders that might weaken it.
Against that political backdrop, the Committee held a full committee legislative hearing on five bills to amend the ESA. Many of these bills are consistent with recommendations the Family Farm Alliance has been advocating for over the past decade. The intent is to find ways to discourage litigation and drive species recovery in a transparent manner, encouraging collaboration and accountability.
Click here to read the July 2017 edition of the “Monthly Briefing” and learn more about these and other issues of interest to Western farmers and ranchers who rely upon irrigation:
- Alliance-Supported Title Transfer Bill Passes House Committee
- Examining Impacts of “Federal Natural Resources Laws Gone Astray”
- California Water Infrastructure Projects Move Forward
- Delayed Appointment Process for Interior Department
- Senate Panel Marks up HELP for Wildlife Act
- Sens. Murkowski and Cantwell Introduce Revised Energy Bill
- California Drought Bill Passes the House
- Energy Infrastructure Bills Move in House
- Weather Extremes in Western U.S.
- House Passes FY 2018 National Security “Minibus” – Package includes funding for Reclamation, Corps
Please do not hesitate to send an email at dankeppen@charter.net if you have difficulties downloading the “Monthly Briefing”.
