A federalism fix for the ESA
State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism is leading a coalition of more than 100 state and local officials from 27 states urging the Department of the Interior to adopt proposed Endangered Species Act rule changes that better respect federalism.
In their public comment, the coalition argues that “critical habitat” has moved far beyond a targeted conservation tool and is now used in ways that can restrict land use, discourage development, and strain local economies with too little attention to community needs. The officials support reforms that restore clearer limits and predictability, require transparent economic analysis, and give states and local leaders a stronger role in shaping conservation decisions.
“Federal agencies need to hear from state and local leaders about how federal actions impact their communities,” said Madison Ray, Senior Director for the Center for Practical Federalism at State Policy Network. “These coalition members know their states and communities best, and by elevating the voices of over 100 officials from 27 states, CPF ensures their expertise is heard.
“The feedback in this comment can help shape the final rule to restore the principles of federalism—empowering states and local communities to make conservation decisions that work for their unique circumstances rather than imposing one-size-fits-all federal mandates.”
— The Federalism Beat