Endangered Species? Call Idaho First

Rep. Charles Cuddy, D-Coeur d’Alene, wants states to have a say over which animals are listed under the endangered species act.

Cuddy persuaded the House Resources and Conservation Committee Thursday to introduce his bill.

“It says that before you name another of anything to the Endangered Species Act, you have to get the Idaho Legislature to approve,” Cuddy said. “All we’re saying is we want a hand in the naming.”

Idaho wildlife experts are every bit as competent as federal experts in determining what species should be labeled endangered, Cuddy said.