Bill Text: AZ SCM1009 | 2015 | Fifty-second Legislature 1st Regular | Enrolled
Bill Title: Military bases; endangered species act
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 6-0)
Status: (Passed) 2015-03-19 - Transmitted to Secretary Of State [SCM1009 Detail]
Download: Arizona-2015-SCM1009-Enrolled.html
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Senate Engrossed |
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State of Arizona Senate Fifty-second Legislature First Regular Session 2015
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SENATE CONCURRENT MEMORIAL 1009 |
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A CONCURRENT MEMORIAL
urging congress to enact legislation exempting united states military bases from the regulations and restrictions of the endangered species act.
(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)
To the Congress of the United States of America:
Your memorialist respectfully represents:
Whereas, the mission of the United States Department of Defense is "to provide the military forces needed to deter war and to protect the security of our country"; and
Whereas, according to the Department of Defense and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a fundamental principle of military readiness is that the military must train as it intends to fight; and
Whereas, the Department of Defense has established military training facilities in Arizona, including Fort Huachuca, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Luke Air Force Base and the Barry M. Goldwater range, among others, to accomplish this goal; and
Whereas, Department of Defense officials indicate that heightened focus on the application of environmental statutes has affected the use of its training areas; and
Whereas, compliance with environmental regulations, especially the Endangered Species Act (ESA), has caused some training activities to be canceled, postponed or modified; and
Whereas, compliance with environmental regulations, particularly the ESA, has forced military officials to make adjustments to training regimens, including requiring units in training to avoid areas with ESA restrictions; and
Whereas, since 2003, the Department of Defense has obtained exemptions from three environmental laws and sought exemptions from three others; and
Whereas, these exemptions allow the military to maintain its high state of readiness and help to ensure its ability to meet unexpected threats; and
Whereas, these exemptions are under increased scrutiny by environmental groups and federal officials who would rather protect wildlife than allow the military to maintain its readiness; and
Whereas, a GAO report found no instances in which the Department of Defense's use of exemptions from the ESA or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act has adversely affected the environment; and
Whereas, the United States military has proven itself to be a responsible and effective steward of the land and environment.
Wherefore your memorialist, the Senate of the State of Arizona, the House of Representatives concurring, prays:
1. That the United States Congress enact legislation exempting United States military bases and training facilities from the regulations and restrictions of the Endangered Species Act.
2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit a copy of this Memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.
PASSED BY THE HOUSE MARCH 18, 2015.
PASSED BY THE SENATE FEBRUARY 16, 2015.
FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE MARCH 19, 2015.
