AFBF sees threat in proposed Endangered Species Act reversion

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AFBF sees threat in proposed Endangered Species Act reversion

The American Farm Bureau Federation says potential habitat regulation reversals could threaten environmental progress.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is pushing to revert the Endangered Species Act to its former definition which would remove a provision allowing for the exclusion of ‘critical habitat’ areas. Fish and Wildlife says the proposed action is to ensure consistency with Biden administration objectives.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall says the proposed change to the ESA and others to the National Environmental Policy Act are a disappointing signal to the return to ‘complicated and burdensome’ rules that do little to advance conservation.

AFBF says U.S. farmers support common-sense reform to the legislation but adding uncertainty to regulations creates obstacles for farmers. The federation says it and state farm bureau groups will remain engaged in ESA issues.

The ESA was last amended on January 19, adding the ability to exclude areas of ‘critical habitat’ after an exclusion analysis.  

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