Endangered Act Could be Endangered if GOP Has the Votes
On Tuesday 13 House Republicans, led by Doc Hastings, released a proposal to dismantle key portions of the Endangered Species Act. Among the changes are limits to citizens' ability to hold the government accountable and more influence for local politicians over which plants and animals get federal protections.
Finalizing the proposal, not surprisingly, would result in reduced protections for species on the brink of extinction -- and politicians, rather than scientists, would get more say over how this landmark law is administered.
"Time and again Americans have voiced their support for the Endangered Species Act -- they see signs of its success in every state," said the Center's Brett Hartl. "It's why we still have bald eagles, grizzly bears and wolves in the lower 48. Now these Republicans are asking Congress to tip this law in favor of profiteers and local politicians rather than the plants and animals it was designed to protect."
Finalizing the proposal, not surprisingly, would result in reduced protections for species on the brink of extinction -- and politicians, rather than scientists, would get more say over how this landmark law is administered.
"Time and again Americans have voiced their support for the Endangered Species Act -- they see signs of its success in every state," said the Center's Brett Hartl. "It's why we still have bald eagles, grizzly bears and wolves in the lower 48. Now these Republicans are asking Congress to tip this law in favor of profiteers and local politicians rather than the plants and animals it was designed to protect."
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