ESA

Congressman Mike Simpson was instrumental in defeating an amendment to strike three sections of a bill addressing the Endangered Species Act.  The bill included a provision similar to Simpson's 2011 language that reinstated the Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to remove wolves from the endangered species list that applies to gray wolves in Wyoming and the Great Lakes.  Wolf populations in both areas have vastly exceeded recovery goals.

 

"When the Endangered Species Act was originally passed, it was broadly supported," said Simpson.  "But today it isn't doing what it was intended to do.  Instead, interest groups are using the ESA to control land and water by suing federal agencies over each and every decision they make.  The ESA hasn't been reauthorized for over 25 years, and Congress needs to update this law."

 

The bill included a number of important Idaho priorities, including full funding for Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT).  The bill also fully funds wild land fire accounts at the 10-year average, providing $3.6 billion for both Forest Service and DOI fire-fighting accounts, a $52 million increase over FY15, and a $75 million increase for hazardous fuels management.

 

The bill passed the full committee and now awaits consideration on the floor of the House of Representatives.