NECIS

NECIS member testifies at House subcommittee hearing on invasive species

Peter T. Jenkins, Director of International Conservation for Defenders of Wildlife, testifed today before the House Natural Resources Committee Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Oceans. Download Testimony.doc

NECIS Members, Other Non-Profits Seek Removal of Clean Water Act Exemption from S. 1578

NECIS members today wrote Senator Daniel K. Inouye to convey their strong opposition to the Clean Water Act exemption and state preemption provisions of the Ballast Water Management Act of 2007, S. 1578.

Download letter.pdf

Aquatic Invasive Species Legislation and Ballast Water

This letter to key committees in the House and Senate cautions against efforts to weaken existing federal and state authority regarding the spread of aquatic invasive species by ballast water discharges. It supports continued efforts to pass comprehensive legislation on aquatic invasive species in the next Congress. Download aquatic_is_092806.pdf

Written Testimony for a Senate Hearing on the Public Land Protection and Conservation Act

This written testimony was submitted for the hearing on “S.1541, The Public Land Protection and Conservation Act” held under the Senate’s Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests. The testimony supports the proposed act specifically with regard to proactive cooperative management, voluntary cooperation of private landowners, a budget crosscut and a results-oriented focus for assessment, rapid response and control grants. Download plpca_110205.pdf

Public Land Protection and Conservation Act (Reprise)

This letter to Senator Daniel Akaka (Hawaii) supports his proposed legislation for the Public Land Protection and Conservation Act of 2005, which provides federal funding as an incentive to local government agencies, private organizations and individuals to proactively eradicate or manage invasive alien species. The Act is based on a similar version introduced to Congress in 2004. Download plpca_072205.pdf

National Aquatic Invasive Species Act (S.770)

This letter to members of the U.S. Senate urges them to co-sponsor the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act (NAISA - S. 770). NAISA will amend and improve the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 in an effort to reduce the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species that threaten the diversity of native wildlife, the ecological stability of estuarine or wetland habitats, and the commercial and recreational activities that depend upon them. Download naisa_060605.pdf

Invasive Species and the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation and Equity Act

This letter to members of the U.S. Senate urges them to support the section on “Environmental Restoration and Pollution Abatement; Control of Invasive Plant Species and Establishment of Native Species,” in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act (SAFETEA) of 2005. The provision provides for funding to control invasive plants and the use of native species as part of transportation projects. Download ltr_safetea_040705.pdf

Invasive Species Priorities for the 109th Congress

This letter outlines eight top priorities for the 109th Congress in the categories of preventing intentional and unintentional introductions of invasive species and making federal agencies more effective in their related management activities. Download hill_priorities_122204.pdf

Follow-up Letter on the Noxious Weed Control Act of 2004 (S.144)

This letter was sent to three members of the House Resources Committee regarding concerns with the amended version of S.144, the Noxious Weed Control Act of 2004. The letter addresses particular concerns regarding management of the program, eligibility and application processes and differences with the version of S.144 passed by the Senate. Download ltr_s144_100104.pdf

Letter on the Noxious Weed Control Act of 2004 (S.144)

This letter was sent to Representatives Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) and Charles Stenholm (D-TX) of the House Agriculture Committee regarding concerns with the House Resources Committee’s amended version of S.144, the Noxious Weed Control Act of 2004. The letter addresses particular concerns regarding management of the program, eligibility and application processes, authorization of funds and respective differences with the version of S.144 passed by the Senate. Download ltr_s144_071304.pdf