A Summary
The Endangered Species Act is not working as intended and it should be reformed. While the Act does not need massive changes, says Stroup, it needs a few fundamental ones. Stroup recommends that Congress take away the power of government agents to seize control of people's land when an endangered or threatened species is found on it.
"This ability to control how property is used makes an enemy out of even the most harmless of birds or other listed species," says Stroup. The result is that people who would otherwise help protect these species want to get rid of them.
New, broader "takings" legislation would go a long way toward correcting the problem. In addition, the law could be changed by introducing methods of compensation for landowners who protect endangered species. this could include rental payments or protection "bounties."
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