LITTLE ROCK — The U.S. House delegation from Arkansas introduced legislation requiring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to consider social and economic impacts on land owners before designating a habitat as critical.
The bill—known as the Common Sense in Species Protection Act—was introduced Friday and has Rep. Rick Crawford as its sponsor, with Rep. Tim Griffin, Rep. Steve Womack and Rep. Tom Cotton serving as co-sponsors.
Crawford said the act will ensure a true economic impact study will take place before any property is put in a Critical Habitat Designation.
Arkansas Farm Bureau President Randy Veach says Crawford's bill could curb the potential drastic effects on the state's largest industry, agriculture.
The Common Sense in Species Protection Act does not interfere or change the current listing process.