California Governor Signs
State Species Reform Bills

FRESNO, Calif. — Calling a package of legislation "much-needed common sense," California Gov. Pete Wilson last Friday signed six bills that would benefit farmers and developers and soften some provisions of California's Endangered Species Act.

Flanked by state senators and assemblymen at City Hall, Wilson signed the legislation, calling it the result of years of negotiations between environmental activists, farmers and developers.

The new statutes allow builders, farmers and others to harm wildlife or the environment without being penalized as long as they do so inadvertently and agreed to repair damage or improve habitat elsewhere.

"These bills together, I think, are the answer that's been long needed," Wilson said. "I sign these reforms to end such unfairness and restore much-needed common sense to a law that at times bordered on nonsense, except that it's not been very funny to those who had to bear its costs."

The Endangered Species Act has been the state's main wildlife protection law and was intended to preserve natural habitats from such encroachments as development.

The act has been targeted by developers and farmers, who contend the statute unfairly restricts their livelihoods and is inconsistently enforced.

"I think this Endangerment Species bill demonstrates the fight to protect jobs and our economy," said state Sen. Jim Costa, D-Fresno. "(And it) can be compatible with our efforts to save our environment."

Under Costa's bill, farmers who agree to manage their land to encourage habitat for protected species would be relieved from criminal liability if routine farming activities result in harming or killing endangered or threatened species.

Some agriculture agencies applauded the governor for signing the bills.

"California farmers have finally realized relief from the onerous and counterproductive restrictions of the state law," said Bob L. Vice, president of the California Farm Bureau Federation. "This legislation provides incentives to make farmers a partner in helping wildlife and enhancing habitat."

Other effects of the signed bills include:

— Allowing so-called "incidental taking," the accidental killing of animals by farmers and builders in the course of their work.

— Preventing the state from forcing developers to restore more habitat than they had destroyed and making the state responsible for any additional restoration efforts.

— Eliminating double penalties from the state and federal government for violations.

— Requiring the state Department of Fish and Game to coordinate with the federal government in preserving endangered species and their habitats.