Jones Votes To Reform Endangered Species Act | Eastern NC Now

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) voted in favor of a bill to bring transparency to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), prevent the waste of taxpayer money, and reduce the law's impact on economic growth. The 21st Century Endangered Species Transparency Act (H.R. 4315) would require that in making ESA listing decisions, the federal government use scientific and commercial data provided by states, tribes, and local governments that will be affected by the listing and require that all data used in ESA listing decisions be publicly available online.

    H.R. 4315 would also provide transparency in the cost of litigation brought against the government under the ESA by requiring certain agencies to report to Congress and make available online the amount of taxpayer money used to respond to lawsuits, the number of employees dedicated to litigation, and attorneys fees awarded as a result of lawsuits. Furthermore, the bill would place caps on taxpayer-funded attorneys fees in litigation brought under the ESA, making the law consistent with the Equal Access to Justice Act.

    "In Eastern North Carolina, we continue to see the negative economic impact of unnecessary ESA-related regulations, many of which are based on suspect science and implemented in addition to other management measures that are already adequately protecting the species in question," said Congressman Jones. "This bill will bring transparency to ESA listing and litigation procedures and ensure that the economy and other important local concerns are fully considered before more unnecessary regulations are put into place."

    For additional information, please contact Sarah Howard in Congressman Jones' office at (202) 225-3415 or sarah.howard@mail.house.gov.