Oversight Hearing on:

• “Defining Species Conservation Success: Tribal, State and Local Stewardship vs. Federal Courtroom Battles and Sue-and-Settle Practices”

Member Statements:

The Honorable Doc Hastings
Chairman

Witnesses and Testimony:

PANEL I

Tyler Powell
Deputy Secretary of the Environment
State of Oklahoma
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Kathryn Brigham
Chairwoman
Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission
Portland, Oregon
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Dr. Reed Noss
Professor of Biology
University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Patrick Parenteau
Professor of Law
Vermont Law School
South Royalton, Vermont
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Steve Ferrell
Policy Advisor
Wildlife and Endangered Species
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
Cody, Wyoming
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Tom Jankovsky
Commissioner
Garfield County (Colorado)
Glenwood Springs, Colorado
(Truth in Testimony Form)

Background:

The hearing, the first of a series this Congress, will showcase the positive species conservation efforts being undertaken at ‘on-the-ground’ levels when compared to the seemingly never-ending cycle of Endangered Species Act (ESA) litigation. Many states, tribes and local communities are effectively implementing conservation efforts to help species. Those closest to the species know firsthand how to protect species better than distant bureaucrats and litigious groups who often hinder the ESA through lawsuits and closed-door settlements. This hearing will provide an opportunity to hear what is working well right now at the state, tribal, and local levels as opposed to ESA-related litigation that divert time and resources away from actual recovery efforts.

Related Documents:

• Official Hearing Transcript
• Full Committee Hearing Notice - May 24, 2013
• Full Committee Hearing Witness List - June 3, 2013