Mike Thompson: “I agree with Chairman Pombo that the Endangered Species Act is in need of reform, and the way in which critical habitat…”

“I agree with Chairman Pombo that the Endangered Species Act is in need of reform, and the way in which critical habitat is currently administered is one of the glaring problems with the act today. =========================== NOTE =========================== September 29, 2005--On Page H8548 the following appeared: Mr. Thompson. Mr. Chairman, I agree with Chairman POMBO that the Endangered Species Act is in need of reform, and. The online version should be corrected to read: Mr. Thompson of California. Mr. Chairman, I agree with Chairman POMBO that the Endangered Species Act is in need of reform, and. ========================= END NOTE ========================= For instance, in my district the Fish and Wildlife Service recently issued a critical habitat map for an endangered species which encompasses 74,000 acres including downtowns, streets and existing apartment complexes. However, there are aspects with this bill in its current form that concern me and unfortunately, I cannot support it at this time. I am very concerned with section 3 of H.R. 3824 which transfers all the responsibilities for implementation of the Endangered Species Act to the Secretary of Interior. I question the agency's existing level of expertise on fishery issues and its fiscal and technical capacity to take on such a task. I raise this as a concern also because their past actions have proven to me that they don't have the capability or understanding needed to protect listed salmon.…”