ASI: Administration Rolls Out ESA Modernization
On Monday, U.S. Department of Interior Sec. David Bernhardt rolled out the final Federal Rule modernizing the Endangered Species Act. The three rules are the culmination of work by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration.
American Sheep Industry Association President Benny Cox said this represents a huge step in the right direction.
“We greatly appreciate Sec. Bernhardt and President Donald Trump for taking this action,” said Cox. “America’s sheep industry has been set back many times by the irregular and unpredictable enforcement of the Endangered Species Act. These rules represent tremendous progress toward not only regulatory certainty for our producers, but true recovery for listed wildlife species.
“Through these rules, the administration has done everything it can to promote the recovery of species through a collaborative effort, and we will continue to work with Congress to support fundamental ESA reform.”
The ESA was last authorized by Congress in 1988, and has a less than 3 percent recovery rate.
ASI is an equal opportunity employer. It is the national trade organization supported by 45 state sheep associations, benefiting the interests of more than 88,000 sheep producers.