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On April 23 a bill will be heard by the House Natural Resource Committee that has the potential to kill the pet trade, especially the aquarium hobby. H.R. 669 calls for the total stoppage of all interstate traffic of non-native wildlife, including animals and plants. (see more info: http://www.pijac.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=175) That means nothing can be imported into the country, nor transported across state lines. It calls for the USWFS to produce an approved list of plants and animals that could be transported based upon a detailed assessment of the possible harm the species could have ANYWHERE in the USA or its territories. That means that an tropical fish that could not in in Wisconsin would has to be assessed as though our state were as warm as Hawaii or Florida.... or even Puerto Rico or Guam! Right now the legislation is in the very early stages of its path through the House of Representatives, but do not be lulled into complacency. This is an addendum to the Lacey Act, so it is not as difficult to pass as a full law would be. Right your House of Representatives congressman ASAP, and also write our senators. This is easy to do. All reps have websites with the opportunity to write a quick letter:
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#wi (this site will help you find your rep)
Your senators will have websites with URL in this pattern:
http://yoursenatorslastnamehere.senate.gov/
Here is a copy of the letter I sent to all of mine. Copy and paste it if you want to, or write your own.
http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW_by_State.shtml#wi (this site will help you find your rep)
Your senators will have websites with URL in this pattern:
http://yoursenatorslastnamehere.senate.gov/
Here is a copy of the letter I sent to all of mine. Copy and paste it if you want to, or write your own.
Dear _________
Here is an excerpt from an advisory notice sent to me from Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) concerning HR669.
"THE ISSUE
The Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act (H.R. 669), introduced by Del. Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam) Chair of the Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife of the House Natural Resources Committee would totally revamp how nonnative species are regulated under the Lacey Act.
Currently, the Fish and Wildlife Service is required to demonstrate that a species is injurious [harmful] to health and welfare of humans, the interests of agriculture, horticulture or forestry, and the welfare and survival of wildlife resources of the U.S.
HR 669 substantially complicates that process by compelling the Service to produce two lists after conducting a risk assessment for each nonnative wildlife species to determine if it is likely to “cause economic or environmental harm or harm to other animal species’ health or human health.†In order to be placed on the “Approved List†it must be established that the species has not, or is not likely, to cause “harm†anywhere in the US. Species that are considered potentially harmful would be placed on an “Unapproved List.†Furthermore, HR 669 would essentially ban all species that do not appear on the Approved List, regardless of whether or not they have ever been petitioned for listing or are sufficiently well studied to enable a listing determination.
Species not appearing on the “Approved List†could not be imported into the United States; therefore, all
unapproved nonnative species could not be moved interstate. In addition, trade in all such unlisted species would come to a halt – possession would be limited and all breeding would cease. Unless those species are included on the approved list import, export, transport, and breeding would be prohibited. Exceptions are limited and would not be available to pet owners across the nation."
Beyond the pet trade a law like this would have a far reaching negative affect in the food, medical, research and transportation industries. It would also make the job of USFWS Law Enforcement harder to do. The task of creating an approved list would be monumentally time consuming and expensive. For example, there are thousands of aquarium fish and invertebrate species that would have to be on the approved list if the industry were to survive.
Please consider the negative effect HR669 would have on our economy.
Sincerely,