The House of Representatives voted to repeal the endangered species designation of California's longfin smelt, which has faced a 99% population decline since the 1980s. Sponsored by Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa, the measure aims to challenge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's assessment, claiming it hampers water supply for farmers. Democrats opposed the resolution, arguing it dismisses scientific findings and undermines environmental protections, highlighting the fish's critical status. The measure reflects ongoing tensions between agricultural interests and conservation efforts in California, with potential implications for water management policies.
"We want to block the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's misguided decision to list the San Francisco Bay Delta population of the longfin smelt as being endangered," LaMalfa said before the vote.
"They're turning a small fish into a very large scapegoat, pretending it will somehow provide real support to farmers," said Rep. Jared Huffman.
#longfin-smelt #endangered-species #us-fish-and-wildlife-service #house-of-representatives #agriculture
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