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NAHB Members Urged to Act Now to Preserve Habitat Conservation Program

Under a June 10 court decision, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cannot issue HCP-related take permits with No Surprises assurances until it completes a new PRR, which was struck down and re-proposed on May 25 for public comment. (Click here to read an NBN story on this ruling.)

“The court opened the Permit Revocation Rule to attack by groups that want to eliminate it,” said NAHB President Bobby Rayburn. “NAHB supports the No Surprises Policy and the Permit Revocation Rule, and we need members to help us preserve them for new Habitat Conservation Plans.”

“Federal regulators must hear from builders that these provisions are absolutely essential to the continued success of the HCP program, and that they be preserved in the new rule,” Rayburn said.

For a sample letter and directions for submitting comments directly to the Fish and Wildlife Service, click here.

Comment letters must be sent to the Service by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26. Submissions will not be accepted after the deadline.

“The HCP program incentives provide builders the certainty to participate proactively in species conservation efforts while allowing them to meet the housing needs in their communities,” said Rayburn. “And through this certainty, builders also can continue keeping costs down and housing affordable for all consumers.”

For more information about the Permit Revocation Rule call to action, No Surprises and HCPs, click here. Or e-mail Christopher Galik at NAHB or call him at 800-368-5242 x8663.

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