Skip to Content

Press Releases

Representative Rosendale Supports Proposed Rule Change to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act

Washington, January 12, 2021
  • Image of the front of the US Capitol
Today, Representative Rosendale (R-MT) released the following statement on the proposed revisions to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) also known as the “Cottonwood” decision

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Representative Rosendale (R-MT) released the following statement on the proposed revisions to section 7 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) also known as the “Cottonwood” decision: 

“As we’ve seen throughout the West, where fires from improperly managed forests have caused enormous destruction of property and loss of life, effective forest management is vital to protecting woodlands, nearby communities, and wildlife. 

“Right now, courts essentially require agencies to go back to square one when they receive a small amount of new information about endangered species in forests they manage.  Yesterday’s proposed rule moves us toward a scenario where agencies will be able to update their plans and continue to take action in response to new information, rather than starting over.

“I welcome these common sense changes to the harmful “Cottonwood'' rule. The proposed regulations cut the bureaucratic red tape to allow for responsible forest management.  These changes will provide proper wildland fire management, increase recreational activities, and will promote industry