Federalism and the Endangered Species Act: California to resist weakening of the ESA

Federalism and the Endangered Species Act: California to resist weakening of the ESA. One of the key variables that affects wildlife policy in the U.S. and many other nations is the division of powers between the central and other governments--I discuss this in several chapters in the Wildlife Politics book. In the U.S., many western states have resisted in various forms the implementation of the Endangered Species Act.  Now, it appears that the "tables my be turned" with some liberal states such as California planning to resist weakening of the ESA.  An article by David Danielski of The Press-Enterprise provides a useful example of federalism and its potential policy impact on Republican intentions to weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Republicans have pointed to the ESA as a cause of water shortages in California due to mandates to provide the threatened fish (Delta smelt) enough water.  They also accuse the ESA as being a hindrance to rebuilding the Oroville Dam due to consultations required by the National Marine Fisheries Service but representatives from the California Natural Resources Agency denies that the ESA has caused delays. Republicans claim that even minor changes such as in ditches require delays.  Center for Biodiversity Staff say that the cause of delays is the lack of staff resources in the Department of Interior which will get even worse due to proposed Trump Administration cutbacks. The proposed law to protect the ESA and other environmental measures from weakening requires that there be “no backsliding” in environmental protections though the wording may be vague according to critics. The article also has a set of photos along with descriptions of threats to species in California. See David Danielski. Endangered Species Act. The Press-Enterprise. April 14, 2017. Accessed 4/18/17 from http://www.pe.com/2017/04/14/california-democrats-prepare-to-battle-gop-over-endangered-species-act/
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