I'm gathering info and trying to make accurate citations. I have found
documentation of how the MBTA was used in finally getting BP to pay fines
in the Deepwater Horizon case, but I would also like info that can be used
to downplay counterpoints from legislators and execs that support this
legislative change as they complain about how the law has stifled their
business growth and ability to grow their work force. I was wondering if
anyone knew where I might be able to find a list of major cases that
resulted in heavy fines, because I've heard there are about a dozen or so
that actually constitute real financial payouts and a lot was FWS working
with corporations in an attempt to avoid fines. I would like to be able to
verify that before I state it as a fact in my comments. Thank you.
Michael Autin
On Sat, Jul 11, 2020 at 5:01 PM mikesindahouse <mikesindahouse@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
Thanks Mary!
I got my comments in!
Mike Callan
On Jul 6, 2020, at 5:29 PM, Mary Yandell <mtwyandell@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Please take time to send in your comments!
If letters haven't already been drafted and sent, I think both the Boards
of the Beckham Bird Club and the Kentucky Ornithological Society should
submit statements.
Bird protections are under attack in a major way and we have two weeks to
make our voices heard. In 2017 the Administration ceased enforcement of
penalties for bird deaths caused by avoidable industrial hazards. Now the
Fish and Wildlife Service wants to codify that rule. The new rule would
apply the Migratory Bird Treaty Act protections only when an activity
“purposefully” kills birds. The comment period for the draft Environmental
Impact Statement for this new rule is midnight July 20th. Submit your
comments here.
https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090-8411
This link summarizes the Alternatives in the draft EIS. Alternative B is
the best alternative to return the protections we have traditionally relied
on. You should make reference to this in your letter.
https://www.fws.gov/birds/news/200605MBTA.php
This link takes you to an excellent description of what the loss of these
protections would mean and has talking points you can use for your letter
https://abcbirds.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/MBTA-DEIS-talking-points.pdf?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=a1553894-24c1-4bcf-aa5c-2e60a5c87d96
Mary Yandell
Louisville
