[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     ENDANGERED SPECIES REFORM NOW

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 1999

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, when Congress begins anew this month, I will 
reintroduce three bills to reform the Endangered Species Act, an act 
that has miserably failed to safeguard species while imposing an 
enormous burden on American landowners. Republicans have held the House 
for four years now but have yet managed to pass legislation to break 
the grip of the so-called environmentalists and the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service. The reason is that oversized and comprehensive bills, 
while entirely justified, can not garner the support needed for passage 
especially in light of an antagonistic Administration. Let's face it. 
The Administration has us in stalemate.
  The strategy behind my bills is simple. We need to shake up the 
debate, take the negotiating victories we have won so far, introduce 
some new ideas, and package them in smaller, easier to pass bills. We 
need rifle-shot bills targeted toward specific and clear abuses by the 
Federal Government. We can not wait until we can patch together a 
political coalition to rewrite the entire Endangered Species Act. We 
need ideas we can win with and give you relief, now. Here are my bills:
  The Fair Land Process Reform bill will ensure open and equal access 
to the decision making process of federal agencies and allow landowners 
to identify and criticize poor decisions from the onset.
  Public access to scientific studies and underlying study data and a 
right for landowners and commercial interests to join in decision 
making process through a formal rule-making hearing. No more closed 
decisions using secret information.
  A substantial evidence standard for agency listing decisions and peer 
review of scientific date. No more tolerance of inadequate science.
  The Fair Land Management Reform bill will ensure government pays for 
obligations it imposes on landowners.
  Landowner compensation for significant government takings.
  Limit on mitigation requirements imposed by government. No more 
giving up 30 acres in order to use 1 acre of one's own land.
  The Liability Reform bill will stop unfair government penalties 
against landowners.
  No criminal liability for unintended and speculative takings of 
endangered species. No penalty for modifying so-called habitat in which 
no endangered species actually exists.
  A ``Safe harbor'' and ``No surprises'' provision. No more broken 
promises and the added obligations put on landowners.
  The Endangered Species Act needs to be reformed now. These proposals 
are a fair and balanced response to the tragic failures of the current 
system. I look forward to presenting my bills at House hearings.

                          ____________________