T. Gorton: “I believe that the continuing resolution must continue the current moratorium on listing and critical habitat…”

“I believe that the continuing resolution must continue the current moratorium on listing and critical habitat designations under the ESA. The continuation of this moratorium during the short time of the continuing resolution is even more critical because the fiscal year 1996 Interior appropriations conference report includes language that extends the current moratorium. As chairman on the Interior appropriations subcommittee, I included language in the fiscal year 1996 Interior conference report that prohibits listings and critical habitat designations under the ESA during fiscal year 1996, or until legislation reauthorizing the act is enacted. It is critical to maintain the moratorium during the short time period covered by the continuing resolution.”