On February 15, the Senate stated that it is bound to improve the Endangered Species Act just in time to convince supporters that they should not be afraid of Republican lawmakers’ criticism. They argued that the federal effort which supports the protection of endangered species interferes with the rights of the states. Senator John Barrasso led the meeting of the Environmental and Public Works Committee.
- The Endangered Species Act was initiated 43 years ago, being part of the Nixon administration.
- Since then, more than 1,600 were listed as endangered or threatened with extinction.
- Nevertheless, only 50 species got off the list, being saved.
The Senator argued last month that his intentions of doing changes to the Endangered Species Act might eliminate some of the bureaucratic workloads which had a great impact on the state’s ability to develop more jobs. Barrasso also declared that this act is no longer bringing positive outcomes.
Several counties, states, farmers, wildlife managers, construction companies, home builders, and ranchers have proved that the act is no longer efficient due to their complaints which said that the Endangered Species Act impedes housing development, land management plans and cattle grazing.
Barrasso supports Trump administration which is determined to cut rules that obstruct business. The Interior Department led by President Donald Trump has postponed the start date of protection for the endangered bumblebees. This species lost approximately 90% of its population in the past twenty years.
The Interior Department stated that it is reanalyzing the regulations which were previously implemented by Obama administration just a few weeks earlier, instigating a lawsuit from some conservation groups which argued that the review and the delay are illegal.
Rob Bishop, the Chairman of House Natural Resources Committee, stated that the Endangered Species Act was never used for the rehabilitation of species threatened with extinction. Apparently, this act was used to control the land. The act was hijacked, its primary purposes being ignored.
The Endangered Species Act represents a law which is was enacted 43 years ago under Nixon administration at a time when individuals started to figure out how human development and chemical use were devastating species. Since the act was approved, it managed to save from extinction species like the Florida manatee, American alligator, black-footed ferret, gray wolf, California condor and bald eagle.
Nevertheless, those who participated in the meeting argued that these regulations imposed by the act prevent people from developing businesses and working to earn their living. Since the inception of the act when about 1,600 species were listed as endangered or threatened by extinction, only 50 species were saved.
Image courtesy of: wikipedia
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