Push to Change Endangered Species Act

According to Associated Press, four leading GOP House members and senators announced a joint effort Thursday to re-write the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to toughen up habitat and scientific provisions.

The lawmakers said they had no specific legislative language yet, but listed goals including increased involvement by states, more incentives for private landowners and strengthening scientific reviews before species are listed or critical habitat is designated.

They contend the law now creates unreasonable regulatory hurdles for property owners while failing to help many species and believe the ESA can be less contentious and more effective.

Representatives Richard Pombo (R-Calif.) and Greg Walden (R-Ore.) along with Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Lincoln Chafee (R-R.I.) make up the leaders working on this revision.