Bringing Transparency to the Endangered Species Act

Statement

Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA-23) released the following statement on passage of H.R. 4315, the 21st Century Endangered Species Transparency Act:

"We must do our best to preserve and protect this land that God has given us, but we must do so in a way that balances the goals of environmental stewardship with human needs for both local communities and our national interests.

"In the past few years, America has begun to experience a natural resource boom that has become the greatest success story in today's economy. Unfortunately, environmental activists have abused the procedures and intent of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and have hindered this boom by blocking off lands from exploration. They have even kept land from use for recreation.

"The bill passed by the House makes simple and modest reforms to add transparency to the ESA process. These reforms will ensure that endangered species are protected as intended while also making public information about regulations, lawsuits, and the updating and alteration of animal lists under the Act. With greater public and Congressional oversight, we can ensure that the ESA works as it was intended to work and is not used at the expense of the American people.

"On a more personal note, I would like to thank my friend Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-4), who sponsored this bill and will be retiring from Congress after this term. As Chairman of the Committee on Natural Resources and throughout his career in the House, Doc has worked tirelessly to preserve America's natural beauty and strengthen our economy. Doc has been an invaluable chairman in the House, and his leadership will be sorely missed."

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