Vitter praises ruling that overturns listing of bird as threatened species

U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), ranking member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works, issued a statement on Wednesday applauding a federal court ruling that overturned the listing of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The lesser prairie chicken achieved this status under the ESA based on a lawsuit brought against the Fish and Wildlife Service by an environmental group, which was settled. Vitter’s release classified this type of action as “sue and settle,” arguing that government agencies reach quick settlements with conservation groups on these matters without consulting states, property owners or small businesses.

“Today's ruling to declassify the lesser prairie chicken is a major triumph against the Obama administration's regulatory onslaught via the ESA that has trampled on businesses and private property rights," Vitter said. “The president’s abuse of laws like the ESA is just another example of his administration's attempts to cut off access to American energy resources and continue to stranglehold our nation into complete reliance on foreign oil to meet our energy needs.”