Shelley Capito
18:33 - 19:26
"The Fish and Wildlife Service also participates in the federal permitting process through the ESA consultation process. This process has been long, inefficient, and costly for projects and communities across the country."
“The Fish and Wildlife Service also participates in the federal permitting process through the ESA consultation process. This process has been long, inefficient, and costly for projects and communities across the country.”
- Speaker
- Shelley Capito
- Timestamp
- 18:33 – 19:26
- Community
- Alaska News
- Captured at
- June 24, 2026
From the transcript
The Fish and Wildlife Service also participates in the federal permitting process through the ESA consultation process. This process has been long, inefficient, and costly for projects and communities across the country. Any assistant secretary confirmed to this position must believe that federal agencies can protect threatened and endangered species while also providing timely consultation, habitat, and incidental take decisions to ensure that important infrastructure projects can responsibly and efficiently move forward. These projects should not be held hostage because federal agencies failed to coordinate early or establish clear schedules or make necessary determinations. Striking an appropriate balance between conservation and beneficial economic development is essential for all states, and that's no different than the state of West Virginia, my home.
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