To address long-standing failures of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) today filed legislation that would better aid the recovery of endangered species across the nation.

“Since enactment of the ESA in 1973, more than 2,000 species have been listed, but less than 30 have been delisted because they have recovered,” Luetkemeyer said. “This legislation, the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act, brings much needed tranparency to the listing process to increase recovery of these species, while protecting the rights of states and private property owners. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to educate them on importance of this bill and to working with Senator Rand Paul (KY) who has been a champion in the Senate in making ESA improvements.”

Sen. Paul is the sponsor of the companion legislation in the Senate.

“The legislation will better protect endangered species by allowing a more tailored response as implemented by the states. The Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act ensures that local needs will be considered in the regulation process and places the decision-making into the hands of the states by allowing them to choose whether regulation occurs on the state or federal level," Sen. Paul said.

The Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act will:

-  Respect States’ rights and responsibilites in the listing and recovery process

-  Reassert Congressional oversight of the listing process

-  Establish a new procedure to protect individual property rights

-  Increase tranparency and ensure the use of the best available science

-  Work to end Sue-and-Settle tactics