Governor to Tell Congress Endangered Species Act’s Broken

Governor Matt Mead is scheduled to testify before the House Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife.

Dozens of congressional members led by Arizona Democrat Raúl M. Grijalva are raising an alarm over the record number of anti-Endangered Species Act provisions in House and Senate appropriations bills to fund the Interior Department and other federal agencies for the upcoming fiscal year.

In the House, Governor Mead will discuss state ability and jurisdiction in energy development and resource management.

Most Americans think the Endangered Species Act is outdated and needs to be revised, a survey by Morning Consult shows.

“This is an opportunity for Western Governors to share insights directly with Congress”, said Governor Mead. Officials say listing the species will boost conservation efforts and improve the ecological health of the islands.

Today’s decision is part of a historic settlement agreement between the Center and the Service that expedites decisions on 757 species around the country and has so far resulted in endangered species protections for 142 species and proposed protection for another 66, including today’s 49. The topic will be: “Respecting State Authority, Responsibilities and Expertise Regarding Resource Management and Energy Development”. “I am confident we can work with environmental groups and others to improve the Act”, Governor Mead said.