Governor Gordon Welcomes Announced Improvements to Implementation of the Endangered Species Act

Via Office of Governor Mark Gordon
Posted 8/12/19

Governor Mark Gordon today, Aug. 12 voiced his support for improvements to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) announced by the U.S Department of the Interior, noting that updates will bring needed consistency to the state’s efforts to manage species.

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Governor Gordon Welcomes Announced Improvements to Implementation of the Endangered Species Act

Posted

CHEYENNE, Wyo.– Governor Mark Gordon today, Aug. 12 voiced his support for improvements to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) announced by the U.S Department of the Interior, noting that updates will bring needed consistency to the state’s efforts to manage species.

The updates to the implementation regulations finalized today by Interior’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of Commerce’s National Marine Fisheries Service apply to ESA sections 4 and 7. Section 4, among other things, deals with adding species to or removing species from the Act’s protections and designating critical habitat; section 7 covers consultations with other federal agencies.

The improvements are intended to restore the distinction between threatened and endangered species, provide clarity and consistency to environmental reviews, and ease regulatory burdens without sacrificing species protections.

“Wyoming is a leader in wildlife management and conservation with a proven track record,” Governor Mark Gordon said. “Today’s updates to the implementing regulations of the Endangered Species Act are welcome. Wyoming has always relied on science-based decision making, and we have taken a proactive approach to the management of sensitive species in an effort to avoid the need to list them. These updates to the ESA will further streamline processes and place an emphasis on local management. This has been an ongoing effort of several Wyoming administrations. These updates also complement the work of Senator Barrasso in improving the ESA.”