ESA Bills to Improve Transparency and Local Involvement

ESA Bills to Improve Transparency and Local Involvement

Washington state Congressman Dan Newhouse has introduce two bills concerning reform to the Endangered Species Act — bringing more accountability and providing more opportunity to state and local governments to provide input. He continues with more detail.

Newhouse: "Two different things really — local input we're looking for a process that allow local governments, tribes everybody that is going to be impacted on the local level. Giving them a bigger place where they can be heard — a seat at the table so to speak — so put that into the statute to be listen to and be heard. I think that is important. The second bill would also would require the federal agencies make the data that is used for ESA decisions publicly available on the internet. So it isn't hidden somewhere in government printed material but that it is much more readily available. It would also ensure that proper use of tax payer funds by putting a cap on attorney fees as well. So a couple of things that are innocuous some respects but important in the overall transparency and accountability."

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