Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California), the chairman of the House Resources Committee, introduced a bill on Monday to make it harder to designate critical habitats under the Endangered Species Act.

Pombo was joined by several Republicans and Democrats in announcing the bill. They say it will address problems that have arisen when private property rights are affected by critical habitat designations.

Some tribes have been affected by the designations. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is suing to stop a habitat for the endangered Peninsular bighorn sheep that includes 17,000 acres of tribal land. The Rincon Band of Mission Indians donated 83 acres for a habitat for the endangered arroyo toad.

Get the Story:
House Bill Would Limit U.S. Power to Protect Species (The New York Times 9/20)
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