As flawed as it is, the act has developed a following that has protected it from change, but with the growing environmental knowledge on both sides of the argument, it is moving towards the type of change needed for several years, primarily around the critical habitat protection requirements.
An excerpt.
Pombo stymied over Species Act
Congressman tried for years to revise a 'sacred cow' law.
By Michael Doyle - Bee Washington Bureau Published 12:00 am PDT Monday, October 16, 2006
Tracy Republican Richard Pombo took office vowing to change the Endangered Species Act.
In the 14 years since, he's delivered speeches, staged events and written bills. He's enjoyed perfect positions to pursue his signature issue, including, for the past four years, chairmanship of the House Resources Committee while his party has controlled both the House and the Senate.
The Endangered Species Act, though, remains unchanged since the day Pombo took office in January 1993. The same 22,300 words in the U.S. Code then are intact today.
Which raises the fundamental election-year question: Why is it so hard to change this 1973 law when so many people want it updated?
"It's the sacred cow," Pombo said. "It is the big environmental law; that takes precedence over everything."
Undeniably, turning an idea into law tests every talent in the political tool kit. It requires energy, stamina and flexibility. The legislation must be written, promoted and negotiated. Deals must be cut, chits called in, muscles flexed and egos soothed.
