Congressman Costa Successfully Works to Improve the Endangered Species Act
Today, the House Resources Committee agreed to twoamendments introduced by Congressman Jim Costa to the Threatened and EndangeredSpecies Recovery Act. The Threatened andEndangered Species Recovery Act updates the Endangered Species Act. Both amendments recognize the importance oflocal planning agencies and identify a role for them when considering recoveryplanning of endangered species.
The first amendment gives a voice to local preservationefforts. "Like the Super Williamson Act," whose intent is to protectprime agricultural land and provide habitat for native species, this amendmentalso accomplishes these goals. In manycases, agricultural land in our Valley is one of the best hedges againstunplanned growth. In addition, thisamendment also allows for input on local projects like the San Joaquin River Parkwaythat represents a multi-level agency effort to preserve, maintain and enhance a23 mile stretch of the San Joaquin River," Costa said.
Congressman Costa's second amendment reflects localcommunities' efforts to develop spheres of influence to affect plannedgrowth. "If Congress wants to modify the Endangered Species Act, it mustbe done in a balanced and reasonable fashion," Costa stated. "Myamendments reflect the smart planning decisions local communities are capableof making that can enhance the prospects for species survival without negativeimpact to the community as a whole."
The Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act is abi-partisan measure introduced by Congressmen Richard Pombo and Dennis Cardoza. It is meant to improve and update the original 1973 Endangered SpeciesAct. The Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act was voted on andpassed the House Resources Committee today. It will be voted on by the House of Representatives the week ofSeptember 26, 2005.
"I look forward to working with my colleagues to make acommon-sense recovery plan that makes changes that are needed to improve theoriginal 1973 Act," Costa concluded.