Statement of Senator James M. Jeffords
EPW Fisheries, Wildlife, and Water Subcommittee Hearing
ESA and the Role of States, Tribes, and Local Governments Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding the third in a series of hearings on the Endangered Species Act. I want to thank all of the witnesses for coming here today to share their views on the important role that states, tribes and local governments play in preventing species extinction. When it passed the Endangered Species Act in 1973, Congress recognized that the successful development of an endangered species program would depend upon a good working arrangement between federal and state agencies. In my state of Vermont, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has worked with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, as well as the National Wildlife Federation, Outreach for Earth Stewardship, and Central Vermont Public Service to restore a bald eagle population that is now thriving. The collaboration between the agencies is a reason for this success. Vermont also has a Cooperative Agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service that is continuing to foster collaboration. I’m sure there are other examples of successful collaborations that we will hear about today from other witnesses. I am sure we will also hear about ways the Act can be improved. I also look forward to hearing how we can build on federal - state partnerships and new ideas you may have to make those partnerships thrive. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.