NAM praises interior secretary for proposing ESA changes.
Press Release Summary:
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne proposed changes to regulations governing the consultation process of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which seek to streamline the process by requiring consultations on projects with high or known potential for threat. Applauding this, Keith McCoy said that by, "...replacing ambiguous definitions and ensuring that appropriate consultations are made, the Department has provided a consistent and meaningful process for industry and the environment."
Original Press Release:
NAM Praises Interior Secretary KempThorne for Proposed Changes to Endangered Species Process
Streamlined Process Will Protect Endangered Species
WASHINGTON, D.C., August 14, 2008 - Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced proposed changes to the regulations governing the consultation process of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The changes seek to streamline the process by requiring consultations on projects with a high or known potential for threat. In response, Keith McCoy, Vice President of Energy and Natural Resources at the National Association of Manufacturers issued the following statement:
I applaud the decision of the Secretary to make pragmatic updates to the ESA, providing a streamlined process that will protect endangered species and foster a healthy and competitive business climate.
Ensuring that the consultation process be mandated when impacts are likely better targets limited federal resources and makes certain that each project is given appropriate review. Focusing the consultation process to warranted actions ensures that the ESA is not misused in the absence of broader climate regulations and expedites vital federal projects designed to improve transportation infrastructure, among other projects.
It is important that we have the ability to move forward and responsibly make improvements to this nation's infrastructure; I support these commonsense changes that will do just that.
The existing regulations have not been updated since 1986 and these changes will reflect the work and experience that federal agencies and business have in implementing the Act. By clarifying the process, replacing ambiguous definitions and ensuring that appropriate consultations are made, the Department has provided a consistent and meaningful process for industry and the environment.
The National Association of Manufacturers is the nation's largest industrial trade association, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the NAM has 11 additional offices across the country. Visit the NAM's award-winning web site at www.nam.org for more information about manufacturing and the economy.
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ALEXIS BAYER
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