Capps Celebrates Repeal of Misguided Santa Rosa Island Language

Press Release

Capps Celebrates Repeal of Misguided Santa Rosa Island Language

Congresswoman Lois Capps celebrated the Senate's progress on efforts to repeal language pertaining to Santa Rosa Island that was included in the FY2007 Defense Authorization bill by then-Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA). Rep. Hunter's provision interferes with a court approved settlement agreement requiring the removal of all non-native deer and elk from the Island by the end of 2011, which would greatly improve public access to Santa Rosa. Yesterday the Senate Appropriations Committee approved its FY2008 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill and included in it language based on a bill Capps introduced earlier this year (H.R. 2029) which would strike Rep. Hunter's provision.

"I want to thank Senator Feinstein and Senator Boxer for their work to repeal Rep. Duncan Hunter's misguided provision to interfere with a court ordered settlement agreement that requires the removal of the non-native deer and elk from Santa Rosa Island by 2011," said Capps. "In order to ensure the public is able to enjoy year-round access to Santa Rosa and the Park Service can protect the Island's natural resources, it is critical that this ill-advised provision be repealed. The removal of this language will ensure that all parties in the court settlement are able to fulfill their responsibilities as ordered. I am pleased that the Senate is moving quickly to address this issue and I hope that this repeal is soon enacted."

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