WEEKLY UPDATE ON WESTERN CAUCUS MEMBERS TAKING ACTION FOR RURAL AMERICA

ESA WORKING GROUP

Earlier this week, the Congressional Western Caucus and House Committee on Natural Resources have launched an Endangered Species Act Working Group.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was enacted in 1973. Of more than 1,700 species, only 3% have been delisted.

The ESA went from a well-intentioned tool for conservation to a weapon for extremist environmental groups to control rural America.

The Working Group aims to evaluate the implementation of the ESA by federal agencies, the practical impacts on the American people, the influences of ESA decision-making, and how success is defined.

The group aims to publish policy recommendations that reform the ESA to benefit Americans and true species conservation.

By modernizing the ESA, the Working Group aims to strike a balance between species conservation and economic development, protect property rights, increase transparency, involve local communities, limit litigation costs, and promote the best available science.

AMENDMENT TO BLM RULE

Yesterday, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) offered an amendment to halt the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) “Landscape and Conservation Health” rule, which threatens the multiple-use mandate for BLM lands.

The rule would restrict energy development, grazing, timber harvesting, and recreation on public lands, particularly affecting Western states.

Newhouse argues the rule is detrimental to energy prices and food costs. The amendment was adopted by voice vote.

This amendment will obstruct the Biden Administration’s plan to control more land in rural America.

LUMMIS’ LETTER TO THE

SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTERIOR

Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummus (WY) requested that the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior prioritize five major Western issues in conjunction with ten other senators.

These issues are to:

• • Block the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Conservation and Landscape Health Rule

  • Block the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Power Plan 2.0 Rule and the MATS Rule

  • Continue Prohibition on Greater Sage-Grouse Listing

  • Strengthen Wild Horse & Burro Management

  • Prioritize Wildfire Suppression and Prevention Activities