Number: 1991-08
WHEREAS, although more than two years ago President Bush committed to a “no-net-loss of wetlands” policy, the Administration has yet to issue a final –let alone interim or draft– statement of that policy; and
WHEREAS, passage of the 1990 Farm Bill provides new opportunities for improved and expanded fish and wildlife habitat protection, especially wetlands; and
WHEREAS, passage of the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act also provide new opportunities for increased protection of the nation’s wetlands; and
WHEREAS, passage of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act without a permanent and stable funding source continues to cripple efforts by states to develop and implement comprehensive wildlife plans and programs; and
WHEREAS, Congress will soon begin work to reauthorize the Endangered Species Act which will expire in 1992 and will be under intense attack by a variety of special interest groups;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in annual meeting assembled March 21-24, 1991, in Memphis, Tennessee, urges the Administration to aggressively and expeditiously articulate and implement a strong and effective no-net-loss of wetlands policy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation calls on the Administration to timely promulgate regulations and take all appropriate steps to maximize conservation benefits pursuant to the 1990 Farm Bill, the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act and the North American Wetlands Conservation Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation urges Congress to work with the conservation community, industry and others to identify and establish a permanent and stable funding source during reauthorization of the 1980 Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation calls on Congress to reauthorize a strengthened and revitalized Endangered Species Act.