Issues
ESA debate takes center stage in Washington, DC. This week, the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing regarding the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Topics varied from how states and local communities are working to preserve species and habitat regions to the large quantity of litigation and “sue-and-settle” suits surrounding ESA issues. IPAA’s Julia Bell attended the hearing to track developments on this crucial topic for IPAA members.
While Republicans and Democrats alike agreed that there are necessary updates to be made to the ESA, members varied in their responses. Republicans emphasized the important role of states and localities in protecting endangered or threatened species, and warned too much federal oversight endangers these efforts. Tyler Powell, deputy secretary of the environment for the State of Oklahoma, noted federal regulators can interfere with state-level efforts to engage industry to help endangered or threatened animals, stating “the state really has no purpose once a listing is done.” On the other hand, environmentalists on the panel sought increased federal guidance on issues such as conserving entire ecosystems and increasing resources for protection.
Meanwhile, the issue of sue-and-settle hit center stage, prompting strong opinions on both sides of the aisle. As a recent Chamber of Commerce report found, ESA designations stemming from two lawsuits from the Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians in 2011 used 75 percent of FWS’ $20.9 million endangered species and wildlife habitat budget that year. While Rep. Chris Stewart (R-Utah) said this was a wasteful type of “fish-in-the-barrel litigation” against agencies, Rep. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) criticized House Republicans for using sue-and-settle as an “excuse to shut down the right of people to protest the actions of their government.” Additional key testimony from this week’s hearing is below in this week’s ESA Watch Special Report.
USGS report on Greater sage-grouse released. This week, the United States Geological Society (USGS) released a Baseline Environmental Report (BER) regarding the Greater sage-grouse. The goal of the report is to provide a “framework for considering potential implications and management options, and demonstrate a regional context and perspective needed for local planning and decision-making.” The report is one of a suite of documents the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) will use in their work with the Western States to revise land management plans for the bird, hopefully preventing an Endangered Species Act listing. Read the full report HERE and the USGA press release HERE.
In the News
EPA Battles To Dismiss Rare ESA Challenge To Drilling UIC Disposal Permit. Inside EPA (sub req’d). EPA is seeking to preserve an appeals board order dismissing a rare Endangered Species Act (ESA) challenge to an underground injection control (UIC) permit for a Michigan oil and gas wastewater disposal well, but the petitioner is asking the board to reinstate the order and rule on the merits in a novel case that could force stricter reviews of species concerns in UIC permitting decisions.
NM officials encourage prairie chicken feedback. Associated Press. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Director Jim Lane says the state wants to keep a prairie grouse under state authority and keep the bird off the federal register.
Endangered Species Changes Spark Debate. EMC Arnprior. Ontario is simplifying rules for landowners, municipalities and businesses under its Endangered Species Act (ESA), while “maintaining its place as a North American leader in species protection.”
Prairie Chicken Feedback. Kansans Need to Respond. Associated Press. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Director Jim Lane says the state wants to keep a prairie grouse under state authority and keep the bird off the federal register. Lane told Eastern New Mexico residents Tuesday that New Mexico is working with Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado on a plan on the lesser prairie chicken.
Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovksy testifies for Endangered Species Act changes. Glenwood Springs Post Independent. Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky was among those testifying before the House Natural Resources Committee in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, suggesting improvements to the way the Endangered Species Act views local and state conservation measures.
NM officials encourage prairie chicken feedback. Associated Press. New Mexico Department of Game and Fish Director Jim Lane says the state wants to keep a prairie grouse under state authority and keep the bird off the federal register.
The Role of the Endangered Species Act in Wyoming. Sheridan Media. On Tuesday, the House Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to discuss the effectiveness and efficiency of state, tribal and local conservation efforts as it relates to the Endangered Species Act.
Republicans take aim at ‘sue and settle’ agreements. E&E News (sub req’d). The Utility MACT rule, regional haze regulations, proposed endangered species protection for the lesser prairie chicken: All are the products of court settlement agreements between federal agencies and environmental groups.
