THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 18, 1995 TAG: 9511170013
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
Our coalition applauds Congressman Herbert Bateman for co-sponsoring H.R. 2275, the Endangered Species Conservation and Management Act. Bateman has shown his dedication to bringing common sense back to the Endangered Species Act.
It is one of the most significant, powerful and well-intentioned pieces of environmental legislation ever enacted. There are, however, major problems that must be addressed. H.R. 2275 faces these problems and not only guarantees that endangered species will be protected, but that the rights of America's citizens will be safeguarded as well.
Right now, citizens who own land that is habitat to protected species are afraid of what the law will do to their ability to use their property.
Congressman Bateman and the bill's 120 co-sponsors have pledged to make the act work better for people and nature. H.R. 2275 will not ``gut'' the Endangered Species Act. On the contrary, it gives people reasons to want to protect species on their property.
On behalf of the nearly 10 million people represented by our coalition. I thank Congressman Bateman for supporting this legislation.
JAMES A. McCLURE
Chairman
National Endangered Species Act
Reform Coalition
Washington, D.C., Nov. 7, 1995 by CNB