Hastings wants to reform species protection act

YAKIMA – U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings says he wants to reform the Endangered Species Act, a federal law designed to protect imperiled species from extinction.

The Republican from Pasco heads the House Committee on Natural Resources, which is considering significant changes to the landmark 1973 legislation.

Hastings told the Yakima Herald-Republic it takes too much of an economic toll, leaves too much room for litigation by environmental groups and lacks an emphasis on getting species recovered and off the list.

Proponents of the law say it is working well and that calls for reform are actually a move to weaken protections.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, a Democrat from Oregon, told the newspaper he doubts the proposed reforms will succeed.

Hastings’ push for reforms is supported by many industry organizations such as the Washington Farm Bureau.