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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 14, 2013 11:02 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Joseph B. Scarnati, III |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Endangered Species Coordination Act |
In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to establish the Endangered Species Coordination Act to ensure that endangered fish, wildlife and plants in the Commonwealth are managed and protected in accordance with the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Our federal government has effectively protected threatened species for over 100 years. However, currently our state agencies do not coordinate their efforts with federal rules and regulations. This has led to numerous burdensome restrictions which create uncertainty and additional costs for our businesses, leaving Pennsylvania at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring states. My legislation provides that the Departments of Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, and Environmental Protection, as well as the Fish and Boat and Game Commissions, when promulgating regulations, approving or denying permits, or enforcing rules or regulations must do so in accordance with the federal Endangered Species Act of 1973. In addition, DCNR will be required to maintain a centralized database containing a list of all designated species and critical habitats within the Commonwealth. This information will aid Pennsylvania businesses in preparing avoidance and mitigation measures associated with these areas. Please join me in co-sponsoring legislation which will allow Pennsylvania to maintain a national standard of protection for our fish, wildlife and plants without unduly harming our businesses and employers who provide family sustaining jobs in the Commonwealth. |
Introduced as SB1047