As a strong environmental advocate, I share your belief that the conservation of America's land and wildlife is important and I have consistently voted to protect and strengthen the ESA. I am deeply troubled by actions taken by the Bush Administration to undermine certain protections granted under the ESA, one of our nation's core environmental laws. More than 300 species classified as endangered or threatened under the ESA reside in California, which is more than are in any other State.
I am pleased to inform you that the Omnibus Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2009 included a provision to allow the Obama Administration to quickly reverse two rules finalized by the previous Administration in December 2008. As you may know, these two rules denied polar bears the full protections of the ESA and excluded independent wildlife experts from the ESA decision making process.
Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) offered an amendment to the Omnibus Appropriations Bill that would have required a 60 day public comment period before the Bush administration rules could be lifted. On March 5, 2009, I joined 51 of my Senate colleagues in voting to defeat the Murkowski amendment. This Omnibus Appropriations bill, signed into law on March 10, 2009 by President Obama, retains the provision allowing his Administration to rescind the ESA rule changes without requiring a new formal rulemaking process.
Endangered species must continue to receive adequate and effective protections such as those provided under the ESA. Please be assured that I will continue to vote to protect our wildlife.
Once again, thank you for writing. For your review, I have included my floor statement in opposition to the Murkowski Amendment to the Omnibus Appropriations bill. If you have any further questions or comments, please contact my Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3841. Best regards.
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