Lawmakers, sportsmen and environmental groups warned a bill-- House Bill 1576 (Pyle-R- Armstrong) --  poised for a vote November 13 would damage the Commonwealth's ecosystem and threaten millions of dollars in federal funding, according to Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.

"The professionals at the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat and Game commissions currently decide wildlife that are designated threatened or endangered, and that system works fine," said Rep. Vitali. "House Bill 1576 would give final decision making to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, adding unnecessary delays to the designation process and putting endangered species at risk."

IRRC is made up of five members, two each appointed by the legislative caucuses, and one by the governor. The bill also would require that any species currently listed as threatened or endangered go through the IRRC process and the legislature within two years of the legislation being enacted to justify its continued designation.

Josh First, a conservative Republican and member of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, said the bill is misguided because it would put profits ahead of protections.

"We are stewards of the planet," First said. "We are not here to dominate it."

The bill has been scheduled for a vote Wednesday by the House Game and Fisheries Committee. If it is reported out of committee, it could be voted by the full House of Representatives.

In addition to weakening protection for endangered wildlife, shifting decision making to IRRC puts millions of dollars at risk. The federal Department of the Interior in August wrote to the state and warned that if it diverts revenue from fishing and hunting, it would risk losing its share of federal restoration funds. In the 2012-13 fiscal year, Pennsylvania received $19.1 million in restoration funds.

Trout Unlimited Eastern Water Project Director Katy Dunlap said Pennsylvania has a long history of fishing, and millions of people purchase fishing licenses and equipment every year, boosting the state's economy.

"This bill would jeopardize angling traditions and angling revenue in our state," Dunlap said.

Rep. Rick Mirabito (D-Lycoming) said the legislation flies in the face of the legislature's constitutional requirement to protect the environment.

"We have an obligation to protect the environment," Rep. Mirabito said. "It's not a choice; it's an obligation. It's a civil right for the people of Pennsylvania."

Both Rep. Vitali and John Arway from the Fish and Boat Commission said at the press conference the amendment expected to be offered in the House Game and Fisheries Committee would improve the bill, but issues remain (see related stories).

[Note: The bill generated significant opposition from sportsmens and environmental groups across the state during two joint public hearings held by the Game and Fisheries and Environmental Resources and Energy Committees.

[The Marcellus Shale Coalition, Associated Petroleum Industries and Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association all co-signed a letter in support of the bill, applauding its “consistency, transparency and accountability” in handling endangered species.]

NewsClips:

House Panel To Vote On Endangered Species Bill

Endangered Species Bill Faces Vote In House

House Committee Readies Vote On Endangered Species Bill

Conservation Groups Oppose Endangered Species Bill

Related Stories:

House Committee To Consider Changes To Endangered Species Listing Process Nov. 13

PA Chamber: Endangered Species Bill Balances Protection, Economic Development

11/11/2013