October 12, 1998

Last Minute Negotiations on ESA Threaten Property Rights

Last Friday we learned that Senator Dirk Kempthorne (R-ID) began negotiating with Representative Richard Pombo (R-CA) to hammer out an agreement on S. 1180, Kempthorne’s Endangered Species Act (ESA) Reauthorization legislation. As of Monday, nothing had been decided, but a vote could take place as early as Tuesday, October 13, 1998, if they reach an agreement.

We must keep the pressure on!

They are still trying to amend the Commerce State and Justice Appropriations Bill with Kempthorne’s S. 1180, which will then roll into the Omnibus Appropriations Bill. Any negotiations or amendments this late in the Session creates nothing but bad law. In fact, Bruce Babbitt, Secretary of Interior, and Katy McGuinty, head of the Council of Environmental Quality, have thrown their support behind Kempthorne’s S.1180, a sure sign this bill is not getting better for property rights.

Western Caucus members should not be pressured into negotiating or capitulating to Kempthorne just so he can run on an "environmental" platform for governor. We must tell Western members to oppose any negotiated settlement with Kempthorne.

Phone calls and faxes are needed immediately. The following four House members are key to blocking any negotiated attempt. Call them immediately and demand they stand firm against any agreement to pass Kempthorne’s bill.

1. Richard Pombo –          202-225-1947,     fax 202-226-0861

2. George Radanovich –    202-225-4540,     fax 202-225-3402

3. Helen Chenoweth –        202-225-6611,     fax 202-225-3029

4. Don Young –                 202-225-5765,      fax 202-225-0425

We must not let this country be strangled for another ten years by a reauthorized ESA just for the personal gain of a few politicians. This bill is as bad or worse than the original law and must be stopped.