
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.”
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.
Kevin Lilly, nominated to lead Fish and Wildlife, told the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee that Endangered Species Act consultations have been weaponized by litigation rather than focused on recovery — a stance with direct consequences for Alaska mining and infrastructure permits.
