Bentz Takes Issue With ESA And Flooding

Eastern Oregon Congressman Cliff Bentz wants to block the federal government from applying provisions of the endangered species act to the National Flood Insurance Program.  Under his newly introduced bill, floodplain management criteria should focus on protecting property and human health, restoring what the Republican says is a careful balance of responsible development, land management and flood protection.  

This Is Not What Congress Intended

Bentz says endangered species protection has been misused to impose overly broad restrictions. 

“Using a flood insurance program to trigger the Endangered Species Act effectively allows the federal government to dictate local zoning and this is totally contrary to the constitutional reservation of such decisions to state and local governments,” Bentz said. “This bill stops application of the Endangered Species Act in a way Congress never intended. Flood insurance exists to protect human life and property. It should not be used as a vehicle to impose sweeping land-use mandates on local communities”.

Legislation Is About Restoring Balance

“For cities like Medford, access to the National Flood Insurance Program is essential to protecting residents and supporting thoughtful growth," said Michael Zarosinski, Mayor of the City of Medford.  "While we remain committed to protecting fish and wildlife, the current litigation-imposed approach creates unworkable constraints for local communities. Congressman Bentz’s legislation is an important step toward restoring balance and ensuring communities can continue to plan, build, and serve their residents.”

“The National Flood Insurance Program is vital to safe, responsible development in Pendleton and other rural communities," said McKennon McDonald, Mayor of the City of Pendleton.  "While we strongly support efforts to protect fish and restore habitat, litigation has misused the Endangered Species Act to impose overly broad restrictions that threaten our ability to serve local residents. I appreciate Congressman Bentz’s leadership and support his legislation to bring a common-sense solution to this issue.”

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