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| Wilson Votes for Endangered Species Reform |
September 29, 2005 |
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| “The federal government shouldn’t be able to take water without paying for it,” Wilson said.
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today voted for the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act (TESRA), H.R. 3824, which passed the House 229-193.
Wilson said her support hinged on the protections in the bill for New Mexico water rights.
“The silvery minnow decision held that the federal government could seize water owned by the city of Albuquerque, farmers, ranchers and pueblos without providing one dime of compensation in return,” Wilson said. “Under this bill, the federal government could not take water from communities like Albuquerque, or New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers, without paying for it. We all support the recovery of plants and animals that are at risk of extinction, and we should ensure that property owners are also protected through fair compensation.”
The bill improves the 1973 Endangered Species Act by including more protections for those owning property or water rights.
The bill replaces “critical habitat” requirements with a recovery planning process to include the identification of areas of special value to the conservation of species which are then given priority in recovery efforts.
The bill requires annual reports to Congress on the status of all listed species, and requires a publicly accessible website that lists endangered and threatened species, related regulations and status reviews.
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