Another study by Texas Tech University stated that uncertainties related to the effects of oil and gas exploration on the lizard’s population “preclude an accurate assessment of risks, and therefore prevent management decisions that could optimize both species protection and economic production.” I take the word of scientists at world-class research universities over DC-based special interest groups. Even our two distinguished Senators, with whom I frequently disagree on issues like this, submitted a letter to the US Fish and Wildlife Service requesting more time for scientific data to be gathered. Last week, Dan Ashe, the Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, announced that he is delaying a decision on the listing because the growing body of scientific evidence questions the necessity of a listing.
One of the major problems with the current system is that its success rate is quite low. Only about 1% of all species ever listed have reached their recovery goals. That is simply unacceptable. Even when species reach their recovery goals, many times environmental groups will sue to keep them listed, costing taxpayers millions in continuing unnecessary programs and legal costs. The best way to improve and modernize the current system is to bring all parties to the table to work on voluntary, science-based solutions that do not put jobs at risk.
Voluntary Conservation - Washington has ignored the considerable conservation efforts already taking place in New Mexico that strike a balance between economic growth and species protection. As of last week, some $2.5 million in private funds and 2.3 million acres of land have been enrolled in the CCAA designed to protect the lizard and the Lesser Prairie Chicken. This partnership includes oil and gas leases, ranches, state authorities and the federal government. The Endangered Species Act states very plainly that “the Secretary shall cooperate to the maximum extent practicable with the States.” This is exactly what is happening in New Mexico with the CCAA.
In August of this year, Mr. Ashe said, “Ensuring the survival of imperiled species depends on long-term partnerships and landowner participation.” The Bureau of Land Management’s New Mexico office and the US Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service submitted public comments opposing the listing because current, good faith conservation efforts are working. I am not willing to stand idly by, while Washington lawyers and lobbyists pursue a rush to judgment that will destroy thousands of jobs and undermine the cooperative efforts that are working so well. And I am glad to see others in the federal government taking a stand, and giving more control to state and local wildlife agencies for proper stewardship.
Taxpayer subsidized lawsuits - The reality is that special interests are getting an actual subsidy—to settle out of court after suing federal agencies into submission. These settlements for legal fees often come at the rate $350-650 an hour. This subsidy kills jobs, and keeps real scientists and public policy specialists from finding the right solutions to our problems. This sort of lawyer welfare is not sound economic policy, and will not pay back a dime of our $15 trillion in debt. To make matters worse, federal agencies do not even keep track of how much money they pay out to these shady special interest groups, but the only available research shows that it is somewhere in the millions of dollars annually. We deserve better.
Our country is in the midst of a fiscal and economic crisis we have not seen in over 70 years. I will continue to fight for reasonable solutions that protect the environment, protect species and protect workers, but do not hamstring our economy. There is no recovery for an extinct species, so we must find the right solutions, and incorporate local stakeholders into conservation management. We know what works and what does not, and no matter how many special interests attack me, I will not stop doing what is right for New Mexico.
