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Habitat Conservation Measures Receive Builder Support

H.R. 2933, the “Critical Habitat Reform Act of 2003,” was introduced by Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA) and cleared the House panel with bipartisan support on a 28-14 vote. Sponsored by Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR), H.R. 1662, the “Sound Science for Endangered Species Act Planning Act of 2003,” was approved by a 26-15 margin.

“NAHB commends Chairman Richard Pombo (R-CA) and Reps. Cardoza and Walden for their tireless efforts to move these conservation measures forward,” said NAHB President Bobby Rayburn. “The nation’s home builders believe that the Congress should be encouraged to adopt legislation that would create a more balanced environmental agenda that supports the twin goals of providing for species conservation and protection and accommodating the needs of the communities and states where they reside. These bills would clearly help to achieve these objectives.”

H.R. 2933 would compel the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide information to landowners on the “specific areas” that warrant heightened regulation and protection and to fully examine the economic consequences of critical habitat designations.

It also establishes an independent timeline for designating critical habitat, which would provide a strong incentive for states and private landowners to quickly adopt programs to protect listed species and avoid inclusion of their lands in the critical habitat designation.

“Rep. Cardoza’s bill embraces common-sense reforms that improve critical habitat designations and promote voluntary conservation measures to protect species, while allowing local communities to expand and thrive,” said Rayburn.

H.R. 1662 would mandate the use of sound science in decisions made under the Endangered Species Act. The bill would improve the scientific and biological data underlying decisions made under the act.

“Neither the housing needs of America’s growing population nor the needs of dwindling wildlife are well served when the government applies environmental solutions before it has scientifically determined the true nature and extent of the problem. We need to make valid and sound science the backbone of our Endangered Species Act protection efforts, and H.R. 1662 will help us achieve that goal,” said Rayburn.

To read the legislation above, click here, and enter the bill number in the box at the upper left.

For further information, e-mail Michael Strauss or call him at 800-368-5242 x8252.

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