Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) joined other House Republicans in announcing the creation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Working Group. The goal of the Working Group is to examine the ESA from all angles. Throughout the year, the Working Group will hold a series of events, forums, and hearings that will invite open discussion and input on ways in which the ESA (last reauthorized in 1988) is working well, how it could be updated, and how to boost its effectiveness for both people and species.

The Working Group will examine a number of specific topics and questions including: how to measure ESA progress; how to define success; if the ESA is working to achieve its goals; whether litigation is driving the ESA; the role of state and local governments in recovering species; whether the ESA ensures compatibility of property and water rights and species protection; the need for public engagement and input; and more.

"I look forward to contributing to the Endangered Species Working Group during the 113th Congress," said Huizenga. "It is extremely important to represent the abundance of natural resources in Michigan; from the shorelines of our Great Lakes, to our many farms and forests, the Endangered Species Act impacts a variety of aspects of our state. This year marks the 40th year since the ESA was enacted. I am excited to be a part of this group of legislators examining the effectiveness of the ESA and to improve the Act for both the public and endangered species."


Members of the ESA Working Group include:

• Doc Hastings (WA-04)
• Cynthia Lummis (WY – At large)
• Mark Amodei (NV-02)
• Rob Bishop (UT-01)
• Doug Collins (GA-09)
• Andy Harris (MD-01)
• Bill Huizenga (MI-02)
• James Lankford (OK-05)
• Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03)
• Randy Neugebauer (TX-19)
• Steve Southerland (FL-02)
• Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05)
• David Valadao (CA-21)

For more information on the ESA Working Group, visit http://naturalresources.house.gov/ESAworkinggroup