Response to protecting endangered species

From: Mel_Martinez@martinez.senate.gov

Below is a response to the recent comments I received from you:


Dear Mr. Weitzen:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Bush Administration's proposal to reduce interagency reviews of projects that potentially affect endangered species. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to take this opportunity to respond to your concerns.

The 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA) (P.L. 93-205) was enacted to protect species of plants and animals at risk of extinction by preserving the habitat they depend on. Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must approve any actions by other federal agencies that may affect endangered species.

On August 11, 2008, the Bush Administration proposed reducing permitting and administrative delay that would allow individual federal agencies to bypass FWS or NOAA in cases where projects would only affect endangered species indirectly. Thousands of interagency consultations each year delay projects including home building, highway development, and environmental restoration projects, frustrating FWS officials and stakeholders alike.

I believe a balance must be struck between environmental responsibility and government management. Threatened and endangered species must continue to be protected under the ESA while we attempt to improve the review process for the benefit of both the public and the environment.

I strongly support initiatives to protect endangered species throughout our nation, and on May 21, 2007, I joined several of my Senate colleagues in co-sponsoring the Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2007 (S. 700). This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow landowners whose property contains the habitat of an endangered or threatened species, and who enter into a habitat protection agreement, a tax credit for costs relating to habitat protection easements and restoration. I believe that this legislation could greatly assist our efforts to preserve important wildlife habitat by encouraging cooperation between federal agencies and private land owners.

Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. If you have any further questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,
Mel Martinez
United States Senator