House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo announced the introduction of H.R. 3824, the "Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2005 (TESRA)," from the California Capitol in Sacramento. Congressman Pombo (R-Tracy) was joined by California Congressmen Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced) and George Radanovich (R-Fresno) as well as Congressman Greg Walden (R-Oregon).
The Congressmen took turns describing examples of situations within their districts providing evidence that the thirty-year-old Endangered Species Act (ESA) is doing more harm than good. Species are not recovering under this unsuccessful program and litigation is rampant, according to these elected officials.
TESRA is a bipartisan bill designed to require the application of good peer-reviewed science to actually support the recovery of species that are truly threatened or endangered. State Governors and State Agencies would have more participation. Private property rights are protected while voluntary conservation efforts are encouraged. Accountability to the public with cost analysis information is required.
"The off-road business community enthusiastically supports Chairman Pombo's efforts on this issue. The off-road recreation industry is a major economic engine in this country and closures of public lands to vehicle access with little or no scientific supportjust because the ESA allows ithas had a serious negative impact on this industry," said Roy Denner, President of the Off-Road Business Association. "I was delighted to be part of this historic event in Sacramento."
Don Amador, western representative for the BlueRibbon Coalition, said, "I was glad to see both political parties at the news conference supporting an effort to reform the ESA. For too long, our access rights and the rights of private property owners have been sacrificed on the altar of unjustified land closures."
The Resources Committee will hold a hearing on the bill on Wednesday and a vote will take place on Thursday (TODAY!).