New Video Featuring Virginia Cattle Producers Rebutting State Official

US - Yesterday, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the Public Lands Council released a third video in their campaign to modernize the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
calendar icon 18 September 2018
clock icon 2 minute read

The new video comes in response to testimony from Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Matt Strickler, who argued against giving state wildlife agencies an equal voice in the implementation of the ESA.

In the video, Virginia cattle producers question Mr Strickler’s view and explain why state and local involvement is critical for improving the effectiveness of wildlife recovery efforts.

"Secretary Strickler’s view is emblematic of the same misguided thinking that has gotten us to this point," said Ethan Lane, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Federal Lands.

"If we truly want to modernize the Endangered Species Act, empowering states and local land managers must be a top priority. The alternative has only resulted in wasted taxpayer dollars, reduced stakeholder engagement, and a disappointing species recovery rate."

Mr Strickler’s comments came during a Senate Environment and Public Works hearing on the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2018, a legislative proposal by Senator John Barrasso (R-WY).

The ESA Amendments are based on bipartisan recommendations put forward by the Western Governor’s Association.

While often thought of a Western issue, the negative impacts of the outdated ESA process are increasingly being felt across the United States. Despite an abysmal species recovery rate of just three per cent of listed species, the ESA has not undergone substantial updates since its inception in 1973.

You can watch the new video by clicking here.

 

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