And now:Ish <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: Date: Fri, 25 Jun 1999 10:57:12 -0600 To: "Wild Rockies Alerts" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> From: Wild Rockies InfoNet <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Conservation Groups Sue EPA for Ignoring Montana's Endangered Fish Conservation Groups Sue EPA for Ignoring Montana's Endangered Fish a news release from the Friends of the Wild Swan ______________________________ For Immediate Release: June 24, 1999 For More Information: Mike Wood Alliance for the Wild Rockies, Montana, (406) 721-5420 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Steve Kelly Friends of the Wild Swan, Montana, (406) 586-0180 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Groups Say EPA Must Consult With U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Before Approving State's Clean Water Act Compliance. Swan Lake, Montana - Two Montana-based conservation groups filed suit late today against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to consult with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when its decisions may affect Montana's federally-listed native fish species. Since 1992, EPA has approved the State's biennial list of impaired waterbodies, and has signed off on individual pollution cleanup plans - called TMDL's (Total Maximum Daily Load) - for lakes, rivers and streams not meeting state water quality standards. Montana's waters are home to three species of native fish in such serious decline that they are protected under the ESA. Plaintiff groups allege the EPA has ignored its mandatory duty under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to prepare a biological assessment and consult with the Service when the aquatic habitats of sturgeon, bull trout and Arctic grayling - all federally listed species - are involved. The consultation process comes under Section 7 of the ESA, which is routinely used to determine if a federal agency action may jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species. "The Clinton/Gore administration's unwritten policy for federal agencies charged with protection and recovery of endangered species is to practice a systematic pattern of lawlessness and foot-dragging," said Steve Kelly, president of Friends of the Wild Swan. "We remain determined to prevent the extinction of Montana's native trout by re-acquainting EPA to its statutory duties under the Endangered Species Act in the only language they seem to understand." "EPA's refusal to follow the most basic procedures of the ESA is inexcusable," said Mike Wood of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies based in MIssoula, Montana. "There are no exceptions, the EPA must consult with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service when their decisions may adversely affect bull trout, grayling or sturgeon." Conservationists contend EPA's inaction is part of a disturbing national pattern. They want to send a clear message to the Clinton/Gore Administration that we want our native fish, and the aquatic ecosystems upon which they depend, protected and restored. "Purposely violating federal law isn't going to cut it anymore in Montana, especially now that we know the poor condition of the habitat and the seriousness of the extinction crisis facing our native trout populations," Kelly concluded. ~~~~ Friends of the Wild Swan P.O. Box 5103 Swan Lake, Montana 59911 Phone (406) 886-2011 mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Reprinted under the fair use http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html doctrine of international copyright law. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Tsonkwadiyonrat (We are ONE Spirit) Unenh onhwa' Awayaton http://www.tdi.net/ishgooda/ &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
