Version User Scope of changes
Jan 29 2007, 8:54 PM EST (current) rbr 261 words added
Jan 29 2007, 8:53 PM EST rbr

Changes

Key:  Additions   Deletions
NEW CONGRESS BRINGS NEW APPROACHES TO THE ENDANGERED SPECIES CONSERVATION

With the defeat of the Endangered Species Act’s number one nemesis, Richard Pombo, lawmakers are moving quickly to improve the conservation of endangered plants and animals by enlisting the aid of private landowners.

Already Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Charles Grassley (R-IA), and Max Baucus (D-MT) have introduced the bipartisan Endangered Species Recovery Act which provides financial incentives for private landowners to help save endangered plants and animals. The legislation would provide $400 million annually in new tax credits, plus additional deductions and exclusions, for private landowners who take steps to help endangered or threatened species on the properties they own.

"Partnering with private landowners on wildlife conservation is absolutely critical," said Defenders of Wildlife President Rodger Schlickeisen in praising the bill. "This legislation provides key incentives to enlist more landowners in this effort, which benefits people and endangered species alike."

This renewed focus on species conservation and recovery is a welcome change from the last six years where the Endangered Species Act faced numerous attempts to weaken its protections. All who care about imperiled plants and animals can only hope this is a sign of things to come.

For more on the Endangered Species recovery Act, please click here.

SPECIAL NOTE: Rep. Nick Rahall, a longtime wildlife champion, has taken over as Chairman of the important House Resources Committee, replacing Rep. Richard Pombo. Please take a moment to read Rep. Rahall’s eloquent and inspiring statement on what we can expect from his chairmanship, by clicking here.