News from the Senate Majority

Alaska State Legislature

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-4582
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

For Immediate Release: March 13, 1997 Contact: Senator Loren Leman 907/465-2095

Senate Votes To Support Efforts Of Congress To Reform The Endangered Species Act

Juneau -- To support the efforts of our Congressional delegation in reforming the Endangered Species Act (ESA), The Alaska State Senate Thursday passed Senate Joint Resolution 16 by a vote of 19 to 1.

SJR 16 asks for strict scientific criteria to be used in determining whether a species is listed under ESA, noted Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage), sponsor of SJR 16. It also calls for species to be removed from the list once populations have been restored.

"These changes will make the ESA a credible law, rather than just a tool to stop development, deny fishing opportunities, destroy jobs and restrict the rights of private property owners," said Leman.

"Many people are familiar with the saying that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. That comes to mind when I think about the ESA. It has produced consequences that the bill’s creators probably never imagined," Leman said.

"The basic promise of protecting threatened or endangered species is good. However, implementation decisions must be based on sound science and measurable plans," Leman said.

Currently, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering whether the Queen Charlotte goshawk and the Alexander Archipelago wolf should be listed as threatened species under ESA, noted Leman. Previous reviews of both species by state agencies concluded that listing was not warranted, but the federal government is proceeding with its inquiry. If either of these two species is included, it could have devastating effects on the timber industry in southeast Alaska.

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