Renzi Says Critical Habitat Designation For Flycatcher Shows Need for ESA Reform

Economic Impact from Willow Flycatcher Designation Will Top $39 Million WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ-1), on October 19, criticized the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for not adequately considering the negative economic impact the critical habitat designation of the southwest willow flycatcher will have for local communities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated more than 700 miles of critical habitat in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico for the willow flycatcher. Congressman Renzi contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last month to delay the designation and allow more time for a public comment period. "This recent critical habitat designation highlights the need for Endangered Species Act reform," said Congressman Renzi. "The designation of more than 700 miles of critical habitat for this species is unnecessary and excessive, and will have a profound impact on the communities of rural Arizona. This is why it is vital to establish pragmatic solutions like those contained in the ESA reform bill passed recently by the House. We must ensure that we involve local input as we work to protect those species that truly are endangered." The House last month passed H.R. 3824, the Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2005 (TESRA), to improve and update the Act to reflect strengths and weaknesses in the original measure. Congressman Renzi added two amendments to the measure which would require local experts and officials to be involved in the development of recovery plans. Renzi's first amendment specifically called for the inclusion of local entities in the recovery process after a species is considered endangered. Renzi noted the importance of utilizing local experts in order to establish pragmatic solutions that will lead to the recovery of listed species, while maintaining the overall health of the affected land and communities. Renzi's second amendment pushed to include Native American Tribes in the ESA process.