“An animal-rights group and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have announced settlement discussions over a lawsuit that could revoke hunting opportunities on nearly 100 National Wildlife Refuges nationwide. In November, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) filed suit over the 2020 expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on 2.2 million acres within the refuge system. The litigious group alleges that hunting on refuges threatens endangered species due to hunters trampling critical habitat, through lead poisoning as a result of spent ammunition and because grizzly bears are mistakenly shot by hunters believing them to be black bears or in self-defense.” – Sportsmen’s Alliance
In Episode 251 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses news over the Biden administration (specifically Interior Department/USFWS) capitulating to Center for Biological Diversity in a “sue and settle” agreement to potentially revoke opening upwards of 100 national wildlife refuges to new hunting and fishing opportunities. Sportsmen and women, who’ll be directly affected by such changes, don’t have a say.
She explains the update from Sportsmen’s Alliance, the Montana court settlement, abuses to the Equal Access to Justice Act, the basics of “sue and settle” and the problem with sportsmen and women being excluded from the table.
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SHOW NOTES
Sportsmen’s Alliance: Biden Admin Negotiating with Animal Activists Over Public Land Hunting
CBD vs. USFWS: Joint Motion to Stay Proceedings
EP 250: USFWS Announces $1.5B Haul for Conservation from 2021
USFWS: Why Hunting is Allowed on Refuges
EAJA & FFRC: Reforming the Equal Access to Justice Act
“Sue and Settle” & S.1247 – Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2021
Forbes: Pruitt’s EPA Directive Sends The ‘Sue And Settle’ Racket Into Its Death Rattle
Chamber of Commerce on Sue and Settle: Regulating Behind Closed Doors & Damage Done Report
Photo: Gabriella Hoffman / Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge – Cambridge, MD | September 2018