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Statement from NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco on IG report |
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WASHINGTON - September 24, 2010 - Shortly after arriving in office 17 months ago, I heard troubling complaints about NOAA’s enforcement programs nationwide, and I decided that an investigation was warranted. I requested that the IG conduct a thorough investigation to identify the problems, so that we could take appropriate action. I am fully committed to addressing any and all problems identified. Fair and effective enforcement is essential to our ability to rebuild and protect the public’s fisheries and other natural resources.
Complementing steps NOAA has already taken, Secretary Locke today announced additional strong actions, including the appointment of a Special Master to review complaints identified by the IG. I join Secretary Locke in wanting to get to the bottom of the questions surrounding these enforcement actions. NOAA will take corrective actions if the Special Master and the Secretary determine they are warranted. And we will continue to reform NOAA’s enforcement program. Background
NOAA has acted quickly and aggressively to implement changes
in response to the issues identified in the first three IG reports,
and we will do the same with the most recent findings. As the IG states
in today’s report, “some issues implicated by particular complaints may
be resolved or mitigated by measures taken by NOAA to date in key
areas, such as leadership and management; policy, process, and
regulations; workforce structure; and communications and outreach.” Read the complete story from NOAA News.
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HASTINGS: Time to improve the Endangered Species Act
May 18, 2012 - When the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law in 1973 by President Nixon, he spoke about the importance of preserving “the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed.” I believe that goal is as important today as it was back then. However, after nearly 40 years, it’s time to take a fresh, honest look at the law and consider whether there are ways it could be improved to do a better job of protecting and recovering species.
