FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 12, 1995

Stephanie Hanna
202/208-6416

Georgia Parham
202/208-5634

 Secretary Babbitt Praises President Clinton's Announcement On 5-Acre Exemption To Endangered Species Act: Fairness for homeowners while protecting threatened wildlife (July 12, 1995)

Calling it "a big step toward fairness and certainty for American property-owners while protecting threatened wildlife," Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt praised President Clinton's announcement today proposing to lift restrictions currently imposed by the Endangered Species Act.

President Clinton's announcement will be reflected in regulations to be proposed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service affecting residential property located in or near habitat for many threatened species. In addition, Babbitt announced in March a 10-point proposal, including one that would seek to amend the Act to extend the 5-acre exemption to endangered species, which is not possible under existing law and would require Congressional action.

"The Endangered Species Act is a powerful tool that has brought the bald eagle, the gray whale and the peregrine falcon back from the brink of extinction," Babbitt said. "However, we must do our utmost to make sure that the Act is carried out in a way that is fair and flexible."

"Ninety-five percent of Americans reside on property of five acres or less," Babbitt continued. "Although very few homeowners have any problems with threatened species habitat, this proposal will offer property-owners around the country an opportunity to plan, to maintain and conserve habitat, and to develop their property in most cases without fear of regulations."

"I am committed to looking at this Act for innovative ways that we can take the burden off small landowners, homeowners and families," Babbitt said. "This can be done with a minimum of adverse effects on threatened wildlife, and may, in the end, encourage more conservation while it permits more freedom from regulation."

The proposed regulation also encourages development of Habitat Conservation Plans, and case-by-case review of larger parcels of commercial property where development does not exceed five acres.