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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) stressed the need for reforming the Endangered Species Act (ESA) with Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon during a Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) hearing today. The hearing was on S.4589, the Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2020, introduced by EPW Chairman John Barrasso (R-WY). As Chairman of the EPW Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife, Senator Cramer has jurisdiction over the ESA.

“One of my greatest frustrations is when the federal government tries to impose its mediocrity on North Dakota’s excellence. Success for the Endangered Species Act should be getting species delisted. Over 2,300 species and plants are on the list today, and since 1973 only 60 have gotten off the list,” said Senator Cramer. “One of the highlights of the legislation is the prohibition on litigation or lawsuits during the state monitoring period; the argument against it is that citizens must have a venue. I think back to my days as a North Dakota regulator and remember: Who do the people have the greatest access to if not their state legislators, governors, and regulators?”

Governor Gordon highlighted the importance of local and state governments, as opposed to the federal government, leading the way in their own communities.

“You speak exactly correctly,” said Governor Gordon. “Citizens have the best access to state agencies and the agencies have people working on the ground directly with landowners. The state involvement this bill promotes is absolutely essential to any working solution. Sometimes the federal government’s one-size-fits-all challenges just don’t make sense on the ground. I think having states involved and citizens involved makes for a good dialogue.”

Senator Cramer concluded his remarks by highlighting the importance of federalism in issues such as this, particularly in light of the Supreme Court seat vacancy.

“People are wondering what my main issue will be when I talk to President Trump’s next Supreme Court nominee. It is going to be this issue,” said Senator Cramer. “What is the proper role of states with our federal government in our federalist system? I think we have lost track of it for decades. That erosion needs to be stopped and reversed, and I think the Endangered Species Act is one of many exhibits.” 

Earlier this month Senator Cramer called for a different approach to protecting endangered species, with an emphasis on cooperative federalism and a focus on Congress taking responsibility rather than leaving it up to the bureaucracy or the judiciary.

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