Kirk Watson: “we must protect what we can never get back. We are not only protecting wildlife, but we are defending our citizens as…”

“we must protect what we can never get back. We are not only protecting wildlife, but we are defending our citizens as well. The stringent regulations in the Endangered Species Act have benefited many species in our great country. Our national symbol, the bald eagle, is one of the most profound stories of recovery in progress. The American alligator, the Peregrine falcon, and the California condor are but a few examples of species that have benefited by the provisions in the bill. According to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, nearly half of the species that had been on the list more than 7 years were stable or improving, and those are the facts. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 3824 is full of giveaways to large development companies and other special interests. The Pombo legislation includes provisions that require the government to use taxpayer dollars to pay developers and other special interests not to violate the Endangered Species Act, instead of creating commonsense incentive programs that would foster greater involvement in conservation efforts. Congress should choose to send a national message regarding the mindful stewardship of our country. If not, further abuses will occur as evidenced by Governor Schwarzenegger in my own home State of California. Tuesday, the Governor fired all six members of the State Reclamation Board, an agency that oversees flood control. The board had recently become aggressive about slowing development on the flood plains.…”