Huelskamp Celebrates Obama Abandoning Lesser Prairie Chicken Appeal

Congressman Tim Huelskamp (KS-01) celebrated yet another victory for Kansas, as the Obama Administration surrendered to the intense pressure and abandoned their appeal of a court ruling deeming their listing of the Lesser Prairie Chicken (LPC) as illicit. The regulation was a real threat to the rural Kansas economy, as it restricted the ability of farmers and ranchers, oil and gas producers, and many other entrepreneurs to earn a living and operate a business to support their families.

“Washington is deaf most of the time. It takes a long time to get through, but constant pressure from members of Congress and checks by the federal courts sometimes forecast the doomed prospects of their efforts.

“After years of leading the fight against the Fish and Wildlife Service’s rule, starting even before the rule was in place, I am thrilled by this decision,” Huelskamp said. “I appreciate the support and help from those in the agriculture industry like the Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Natural Resources Coalition, members of the energy industry, and members of the Kansas delegation in challenging the Obama Administration attempted takeover.”

“Most Washington bureaucrats and attorneys have never farmed, raised livestock or worked an oil rig. They do not understand that state and local governments, and business owners themselves, care about the environment.

“This final nail in the coffin is fantastic news for the people and the economy across the First District. It is an honor to have been a loud voice for Kansans opposes to this federal government overreach.”

Some of the most important efforts Congressman Huelskamp made to fight the “Threatened” listing of the LPC:

• Met with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Director to Oppose Listing (2011)
• Testified on LPC at Agriculture Committee Field Hearing in Dodge City (2012)
• Submitted Official Comments Against Listing at USFWS meeting in Garden City (2013)
• Signed Letter with 9 other Members of Congress Asking to Re-Open Comment Period -- Director Agreed (2013)
• Signed Letter Asking for Delay of Listing -- Director Agreed (2013)
• Worked to Promote Comments from Kansans on the Listing (2014)
• Supported Effort to Put LPC Listing Report in Farm Bill (2014)
• Signed Letter to Appropriations Committee Asking to Defund Listing (2014)
• Signed on to Bill to Delay Listing for Six Years (2014 & 2015)
• Signed on to Four Bills to Reform Endangered Species Act (2014)
• Co-Sponsored Sue & Settle Reform (2015) - Bill Passed (2016)
• Co-Sponsored Amendment to Defense Authorization Bill to De-List (2015) -- Amendment Passed
• Co-Authored Amendment to Interior Appropriations & Spoke on the Floor (2015) -- Amendment Passed