House Passes Endangered Species Bill with Repeal of Critical Habitat, Conservation Payments for Owners

摘要

The House has approved amendments (H.R. 3824) to the 1973 Endangered Species Act (ESA) which would repeal its critical habitat provisions that restrict land development and provide incentives for owners to participate in habitat conservation. The bill was approved September 29 on a 229-193 vote. It was introduced by House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (R-Calif.) and Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), with support from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). NAHB urged the Senate to follow suit as quickly as possible, and NAHB President David Wilson said it is working with members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to have a companion bill introduced in that chamber.