House to vote on legislation that could harm endangered species' habitats
ROCKAWAY BEACH, Queens (WABC) -- An important vote is expected in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday that could affect the endangered species on the nation's coastlines, including whales, piping plovers, sea turtles and even the bald eagle.
The vote is expected to be razor thin, and could come down to local Republicans from New York and New Jersey.
A spring chill was in the air at Rockaway Beach Tuesday afternoon, but wildlife advocates are much more concerned about what the rest of this week might hold on our nation's endangered species protections if Republicans in Congress get enough votes on a new version of our nation's Endangered Species Act.
"What would be left is the Endangered Species Act in name only," said Chris Allieri of the NYC Plover Project. "I cannot underscore enough how dangerous this is, there is nothing good about this bill."
Advocates fear any de-regulation of natural habitats could mean even more dead whales on our beaches, or piping plovers left unprotected, and they fear, other threatened species, like monarch butterflies, may never get certain protections they need.
"It's a threat on our nation's wildlife... animals that we all love. And they're putting them in jeopardy," said Chris St. Lawrence of Gotham Whale.
The bill is on the calendar, intentionally, for Earth Day, as Republicans call it a more modernized version of what our country has had. Conservatives are seeking to limit federal spending on certain species most likely to survive and placing more of the burden on states. But more than 300 wildlife advocacy groups are now pushing back, asking Republicans: why change anything, if it's worked for decades?
"99% of the species listed under the E.S.A. are still with us. They have not gone extinct. So this thing works," Allieri said.
They cite humpback whales as a perfect example. Many more are now cited off the coast of Long Island, where eco-tourism brings in money.
Advocates say the expected vote could come down to local Republicans who may be undecided.
Eyewitness News reached out to Long Island Republicans Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota but received no comments so far.
Advocates against the legislation have been in Washington all day, trying to convince Republicans, to change their minds. They're urging constituents in these coastal communities to call their representatives and do the same.
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