I believe you are right to focus on the science of Habitat Conservation Plans first rather than an immediate discussion of the policy. Like so much of the Endangered Species Act, HCP's are driven by science and it is important for this Committee to get a better handle on exactly what that means.
All too often, there is a tendency to question as unsound scientific conclusions that are contrary to what we want to believe or that don't get us to where we want to be in terms of policies.
That is why I am glad that we are turning first to a panel of scientists, professionals who have dedicated their careers to working on these sorts of issues to help shed some light on what is working, what is not, and what is needed to make HCP's an effective tool.
Although I would like to welcome all of our witnesses to Washington this morning, I am especially pleased that Dr. Dennis Murphy is with us.
Dennis and I have been friends for many years. He runs the Biological Resources Research Center at the University of Nevada-Reno and is the Director of the Nevada Biodiversity Initiative, one of the nation's most progressive research initiatives.
While I understand that he is an expert in the area of Habitat Conservation Plans, I know him primarily due to his outstanding research and applied science efforts at Lake Tahoe.
I know that all of my colleagues have listened to me with great patience over the years talk about my determination to protect the Crown Jewel of the Sierras from further degradation. I won't go into great detail today.
However, I will make the point that it is due to the efforts of folks like Dr. Murphy that all of the diverse communities at Lake Tahoe have been able to unite behind a $900 million dollar plan to preserve and protect the lake.
Without the scientific underpinnings of the plan, no one would have the confidence required to justify the sacrifices that will need to be made to save this national treasure.
Let me close by saying that today's hearing is the kick-off of the second phase of an incremental process that we have begun this year to see if some legislative progress can made on reforming the Endangered Species Act.
During May and June, this Subcommittee worked together to produce legislation that addresses some critical habitat and recovery habitat issues. It was a very open and collaborative process and it produced language that everyone can embrace.
That package is now awaiting action on the Floor. I am hopeful that the spirit of cooperation that has marked this process so far can continue and we can fix areas of the ESA that need some work.
After coming so close to getting a comprehensive reform bill done last year only to see it scuttled at the last minute, I have concluded that incremental reform is the only way to go at this time.
While I know that this approach is not universally popular, I feel confident that, as long as everyone remains willing to compromise and work together, we can make a lot of progress.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I look forward to working with you.