NRECA-Backed Endangered Species Bill Passed by House
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill entitled the 21st Century Endangered Species Transparency Act requiring more transparency in certain matters of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The bill would require, among other things, the public release of certain information, including the data used to determine the species listed under the ESA and information about ESA lawsuits. The bill also seeks to increase the involvement of state and local governments in ESA processes and to reduce ESA litigation expenses. The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) has expressed its “strong support” of the bill to the House Natural Resources Committee. Coop leaders also have testified before the committee, urging reform to the ESA that would better balance the protection of endangered species with the ability of coops to provide services efficiently. Click here for more.
