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Article Posted: 09/30/2005 9:16:14 AM
House Modernizes the Endangered Species Act
Washington, D.C.- Nebraska Third District Representative Tom Osborne voted with the House today in favor of H.R. 3824, the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act (TESRA). This legislation updates and modernizes the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in order to strengthen the success rate for species recovery and lessen the conflict among landowners and local communities working to comply with the law.
"I have long been concerned about the impact of the ESA on Nebraskans. Since its inception, the ESA has required a delicate balance between protecting the future of Nebraska's threatened and endangered species while preserving many Nebraskans' way of life. While we need to protect endangered species, it is of utmost importance to carefully analyze all provisions in the law due to the serious impact left on the livelihood and resources in Nebraska. TESRA is a step in the right direction because it focuses on recovery while reducing the conflicts that lead to litigation."
Specifically, TERSA includes the following provisions:
· Recovery Plans will be required by law, within two years of listing, and will be reviewed regularly to make sure they are as effective as possible. The plans will require the identification of lands important to the conservation and recovery of species.
· Each species will have a recovery team. These teams will draw not only on those who have knowledge and skills essential to guide effective conservation efforts, but also those who have property or livelihoods affected by the recovery programs.
· TESRA provides numerous tools to promote conservation of species on private lands without further increasing the size of the federal estate and improves other tools that are already provided for.
· To enlist private property owners as allies in the conservation of endangered and threatened species, the bill provides incentives to manage lands in a way that helps these species. The legislation also reduces the burden of regulation on landowners when use of their private property has been restricted for conservation purposes.
· The conservation grants provision is designed to foster new ideas and unique approaches to conservation on private property.
· Those participating in Habitat Conservation Plans will be given assurances that the resources they commit to conservation can be provided without fear that "surprises" will undo the deal.
Furthermore, TERSA will:
· Replace the critical habitat program with a more integrated recovery planning process. This process includes the identification and protection of habitat essential to the recovery of species. This will focus the law on recovery and minimize the conflicts that lead to litigation.
· Require the Secretary of the Interior to establish criteria that will constitute a clear definition of "best available" to strengthen the law's scientific underpinnings. This will be consistent with the Data Quality Act.
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