December 16, 2005 INHOFE COMMENTS ON NEW ESA LEGISLATION Welcomes Contributions to the Discussion on How to Move ESA Modernization Forward WASHINGTON, DC – Sen. James Inhofe (R-Okla.), Chairman of the Environment & Public Works Committee, today issued the following statement about new legislation introduced by Sens. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) and Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) intended to update the Endangered Species Act: “After 30 years of implementation, members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have to come agree that the Endangered Species Act is in need of improvement, and I welcome the contributions of Senators Crapo and Lincoln to the discussion as to how we can move forward. “The fact that we have recovered only 10 species of 1,300 listed is proof that aspects of the current law are not working and thus warrant a thorough review. We’ve learned much through improvements in the science and have developed better methods for management over the last three decades, so it is time to apply that knowledge to improve the return on this important investment of our resources. “I appreciate Chairman Pombo’s hard work in the House, and look forward to working with my colleagues on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee as we draft comprehensive legislation to modernize the Endangered Species Act.”