Mead is leading a delegation of other governors to Washington, D.C., as chairman of the Western Governors’ Association.
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He will testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife, as well as the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources.
The letter calls the Endangered Species Act “a bedrock environmental law that for forty years has protected our irreplaceable and iconic American Wildlife and landscapes”. Governor Mead thinks that it is a high time now that changes should be made in the ESA, which as per 63% Americans has become obsolete.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to add 49 species from Hawaii to the Endangered Species Act, including 22 found on the Big Island.
Besides being home to the sage grouse which has a mating display that is “quite spectacular”, the bird’s habitat is home to many other species, including elk, mule deer and eagles, that define the west, Jewell said.
In his testimony, the Governor stressed that state governments are in a better position to work with landowners on ESA matters. “The Endangered Species Act has saved hundreds of Hawaiian species from extinction and can help save these species too”.
“We endorse this strong statement from almost 100 members of Congress, which reflects the resolve of the vast majority of American voters who support the Endangered Species Act”, said Drew Caputo, of the nonprofit Earthjustice.
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At 10 a.m. tomorrow, he’ll testify earlier than the House committee on the matter of “Respecting State Authority, … We continue to work with our Congressional delegations on these issues”, Meat stated, according to Oil City. The subject will be “Respecting State Authority, Responsibilities and Expertise Regarding Resource Management and Energy Development”.
