Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. letter to D. L., June 11, 1997

ROBERT L. EHRLICH. JR. Congress of tfje ®niteb States JftouSc of fiepreiSmtattoeS ©Hagfjmgton, ЗЭС 20515-2002 .NKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES June 11, 1997 ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP Dear Thank you for writing to me regarding your support of funding for programs that protect endangered species. I share your belief that the federal government must continue to play a role in protecting endangered species. I believe we must reform existing law so it accomplishes the noble goal of preserving species without saddling the economy with excessive and needlessly burdensome regulations. The impact that current law has had on actual species repopulation is a matter of debate. We need to take a second look at the methods of the ESA rather than its goals. We must begin to focus on which species are actually saved— not just listed. I also strongly believe that we need to improve the system so that it is more respectful of the rights of private property owners. As you know, there are several ESA reform proposals pending before Congress. I am in the process of reviewing each of these proposals. Ultimately, I plan to select the proposal which best balances the interests of our nation’s wildlife with the need to maintain economic growth. With respect to your comments about the “Dear Colleague” letter being circulated by Congressmen Wayne Gilchrest and John Dingell in support of additional funding for endangered species programs for wildlife and fish, I will take your views under consideration. You will be pleased to know that I signed onto Mr. Gilchrest’s recent letters in support of the Chesapeake Bay Program, the Conservation Reserve Program, and other important environmental initiatives. Once again, thanks for your comments. Please contact me in the future if I may be of additional assistance. Sincerely, Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. Member of Congress PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER