Endangered Species Act Eyed for Change

[SAWgunner]

I kind of agree with the Tree Huggers on one note,  "Environmentalists are against any changes to the act because they fear opponents will gut the policy in favor of urban sprawl and polluters."

I am thoroughly against urban sprawl, also.

SAWgunner





Fox News




LOS ANGELES — Opponents of the Endangered Species Act (search) say the federal legislation protecting the sucker fish, the spotted owl and hundreds of other animals on the watch list has crippled industries and ravaged local economies.

Now, for the first time in decades, these foes see an opportunity for change with a poll showing that up to 80 percent of the public would be willing to consider changes to the landmark environmental law.

“What we are trying to do is change the act so it doesn’t have the conflicts with private property owners and at the same time does a better job at recovering species than we are currently doing,” said Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Calif.

The political fight is well under way, with conservatives lobbying the Western Governor’s Association for support. But at least one Western governor doesn’t agree with the proposed changes the way they’re currently written.

“The country wants protection of the environment and the Endangered Species Act, and I believe Congressman Pombo's initiative, while well intentioned, goes too far,” said Gov. Bill Richardson (search) of New Mexico, a Democrat.

Richardson supports modest revisions of the law. Environmentalists are against any changes to the act because they fear opponents will gut the policy in favor of urban sprawl and polluters

[glock29]

If it was up to me I can see the EPA as well as the Nat'l fish & wildlife dept. as TWO of the many gov't agencies that could be completely SHUT DOWN permanently to save taxpayers money. Huge unneeded beauracracies incapable of real good. Given the choice between robust economy vs. environmental impact I'll side with the economy EVERY time.
Gimme da munny !

[fe352v8]

Yes leaded gasoline rules and has been shown to cause decreases in IQs.  I suppose you'll be buying a house at Love Canal or maybe Times Beach Missouri.  Nothing like the fresh smell of sulfur dioxide, and lets not forget the beauty of a stream colored by a coal mines run-off or the beauty of the Mahongahela River burning.  Or the thrill of fishing, lots more filling with the added mercury.  

Sure some bureaucrats suck but private industry has already proven their reluctance cleaning up after themselves.

jon

[Major]

What happens when government runs amuck is we get laws that are flawed. For example, we were hold the spotted owl can’t live without old growth timber. But guess what.

The Barred owls are expanding their range into the Pacific Northwest and “biologists are wondering whether both species can survive in shared habitat,” says SF Gate, AP 10/30. Biologists are finding that as the barred owls move into old growth forests, the “response of the spotted owls” is to leave.

And do you know what happened? The spotted owl is moving into second growth timber and is doing just fine there. Preferring old growth timber and needing it are two different things it seems. Imagine that!

Now the government experts tell us that CO2 levels must be lowered. But, plants can’t live without CO2. The plants take the Carbon Dioxide in and put out Oxygen. The government experts always forget to tell us that, or for that matter what are the levels we need to balance things.

So whom do we believe? Private industry that wants to put your money in its pockets or government bureaucracies that want to put your money in its pockets. At least if you don’t like what industry is doing you can refrain from purchasing their product, but how do you refrain from paying your taxes that are robbing you under the pretext of some “feel good” acts.

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"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
- Ronald Reagan

[glock29]

Major,
I couldn't have said it better myself !
Kudos to you !