Lawmakers in Georgia have introduced a bill in the U.S. Congress to suspend Endangered Species Act protections in times of extreme drought, arguing it would help average folks and businesses cope with the serious water woes now plaguing parts of the U.S. Southeast. Georgia’s congressional delegation rallied around the proposal, calling it a “common sense” solution to the state’s plight. However, if passed, the bill would apply nationwide, allowing states across the country to seek exemptions from the ESA when their governor or the secretary of the army declares that a drought is threatening human health, welfare, and safety.
sources:
