The Public Lands Council along with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association are welcoming the finalization of rules modernizing the Endangered Species Act. Public Lands Council Executive Director Ethan Lane says the modernized rules give good protections to species while streamlining rules that are more workable for farmers and ranchers. He says one of the rules limits protections to those that are truly endangered.

He says another rule improves how land is designated for critical habitat.

Lane says the third rule consolidates the consultation process to keep implementation of the ESA moving.

Barring court action, the rules package will officially take effect following a 30 day objection period.