JACKSON — Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson joined more than 100 state and local officials from 27 states in submitting a public comment to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supporting proposed changes to how federal critical habitats are designated under the Endangered Species Act.
The comment urges the agencies to finalize the proposed rule, “Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Designating Critical Habitat,” which would require more robust economic analysis before land is designated as critical habitat.
“This proposed rule is a common-sense approach to the designation of critical habitats by ensuring federal agencies fully consider the real-world impacts on landowners and rural communities, and analyze if those costs outweigh the benefits,” Gipson said. “I am proud to join others in supporting this proposed rule to strengthen accountability and help ensure conservation efforts support environmental stewardship, as well as local and state economies.”
The proposed rule would amend portions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, which provides a means to conserve the ecosystems upon which endangered and threatened species depend. Supporters say the revisions would require consideration of economic impact, national security and any other relevant impacts of designating an area as critical habitat, and would authorize excluding areas if the benefits of exclusion outweigh the benefits of designation.
The public comment adds, “We strongly support the Service’s proposed revisions to critical habitat designation procedures under the Endangered Species Act. These changes restore balance, accountability and respect for both species protection and the livelihoods of American families.” It also says the changes would encourage cooperative conservation while protecting vulnerable species and landowners. This is a developing story and will be updated as more details emerge.
