|
Western governors see Endangered Species changes thwarted by politics JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. (AP) - Seeking changes to the federal Endangered Species Act is proving to be an elusive target for the western governors. Thirteen members of the Western Governors' Association, meeting at this resort against the backdrop of the scenic Grand Teton Mountains, were told Sunday that they could expect no action in Washington for the next 18 months. Idaho Gov. Dirk Kempthorne said the attitude in Congress now is not to bring the issue up in a presidential election year. "The question is a political question; when will it be ripe?" said Utah Gov. Michael Leavitt. "...I think if there was a glimmer of hope you'd see western governors jump to push the door open. Right now we are not seeing much light." The Endangered Species Act has sparked bitter disputes throughout the West, pitting landowners, developers, timber interests and fishing interests against environmentalists. The western governors advocate improved incentives for landowners and more participation by local citizens and states in implementing the act, which is designed to protect plants and animals from extinction. "We are looking for partnerships, not punishments, and that's where I'd say there is a line of distinction to be drawn," said Wyoming Gov. Jim Geringer, chairman of the association. "The opportunity is to work in a positive fashion with incentives, with motivation because far more gets done under a positive motivational approach than anything does under the threat of punishment," he said. But last year, a bill containing the changes supported by the governors failed to get through Congress. Leavitt said western lawmakers couldn't agree on the scope of the changes needed. Meeting in a conference room decorated with chandeliers made from antlers, the governors heard from two landowners who have helped to save endangered species. But Wyoming rancher Jack Turnell said landowners have been alienated by cumbersome federal rules and regulations. "I know we have a federal government, but we don't need to eat sleep and drink with them every night," Turnell said. Turnell was involved in saving the black footed ferret. New Mexico landowner James Weaver, who has been active in aiding the lesser prairie chicken, said the Endangered Species Act "has become a weapon and not a tool." The governors said they must better educate Congress about the Endangered Species Act and push for administrative policies that make the act more manageable. Montana Gov. Marc Racicot said the governors must "rise up and demand" their congressional delegations to move forward with reforms to the act. Geringer said the Clinton administration also must build support among Democrats in Congress. "While we are frustrated at the lack of action and the inability of the federal government to change its regulations, its attitudes, its policies, its statutes, we're not going to wait," Geringer said. Still, the governors will continue to face opposition from environmental groups who fear the governors are trying to weaken the act. Mike Clark, executive director of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, said government bureaucracy causes problems "but I think that the principles that the law is based on are sound, and we don't want to throw those out with the bath water." Other governors attending are: Gov. Ed Schafer of North Dakota, Gov. Benjamin Cayetano of Hawaii, Gov. Bill Owens of Colorado, Gov. Mike Johanns of Nebraska, Gov. Kenny Guinn of Nevada, Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico, Gov. John Kitzhaber of Oregon, Gov. William Janklow of South Dakota, and Gov. Tony Knowles of Alaska. Copyright 1999 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|