Representative Buddy Carter

Endangered Species Act Reform

Fifty years ago, the United States passed one of the strongest protections for endangered species globally, the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While many praised this bill as a standard-bearer for endangered species protection, it has failed to live up to the expectations that those at the time, including President Nixon who signed the bill into law, intended. With five decades of data and experience behind us, we must reassess this outdated law so that it brings relief to dwindling species without kneecapping growth and innovation.

The United States remains second to Indonesia, according to the Red List of Threatened Species, for the highest number of endangered and threatened species world-wide. Additionally, only three percent of species targeted by the ESA, meaning animals that were considered threatened or endangered, have recovered. By every metric imaginable, this is a failing grade. What’s worse is that The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is intentionally misleading the public on the program’s success. As of November 2023, 1,667 species have been listed as “threatened” or “endangered,” with only 62 being listed as officially “recovered.” While it’s encouraging to see that some species have bounced back in the fifty years since the ESA was signed, that number includes at least 36 species that were incorrectly listed as endangered or threatened, meaning their recoveries are attributed to human error rather than conservation.

Take the Monito gecko as an example. When the geckos were originally counted, it was believed that only 18 of the lizards remained, making it a highly endangered and extremely rare species. Fortunately, that was not the case; the count was conducted during the day, and Monito geckos are nocturnal. In 2019, a new count was conducted at night and found a population of 7,661. Despite no federal interventions of note to uplift and protect this species, it was listed as “in recovery” and labeled a success story for the ESA.

Those errors appear to be the norm and not an exception. According to data from the Western Caucus Foundation, at least 5 of the 12 species currently under consideration for delisting can chalk their recovery up to data errors, as can half of the down-listed species, meaning species that moved from endangered to threatened status.

If the federal government refuses to acknowledge the lackluster performance of our landmark ESA, then we will not be able to make real progress towards protecting species from extinction. Republicans and Democrats agree, just as we did in 1973, that endangered species need federal protections and that it is our responsibility to be responsible stewards of the environment. Conservation, the guiding philosophy behind the ESA, is inherently conservative. Unfortunately, the ESA has done more for trial lawyers, liberal fundraisers, and left-wing activists than it has for the species it purports to protect. From January 1, 2022, through May 1, 2023, USFWS posted 53 final actions, according to a report by Politico, with at least 38 of the impacted species being the subject of lawsuits. Extrapolate that highly litigious reputation throughout the fifty years of the law’s existence, and it’s clear that the primary habitat this bill supports is in the courthouse.

The negative impacts of this law are currently being felt along the Coast of Georgia. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is fighting to impose an 11.5 mph speed restriction on vessels 35’ to 65’ to protect the right whale, Georgia’s endangered state marine mammal, from fatal strikes. The intention behind this rule, justified in part by NOAA’s authority under the ESA, is like the legislation itself; well-intentioned but ineffective.

In addition to threatening 340,000 jobs nationwide, which could impact $84 billion in economic activity, harbor pilots’ safety will be jeopardized, as the speed restriction is unworkably slow and will increase the risk of capsizing. We must acknowledge that, while protecting the right whale is important, those conservation efforts cannot pose a threat human lives.

For these reasons, and many more, NOAA must pull back on its proposed speed restriction; but, the issue is much deeper than that. We have a highly restrictive federal law that is being heralded as a standard-bearer for conservation, despite inflated and misleading success numbers. We owe it to our endangered species, business owners, and future generations to reexamine this law so that it works not just on paper, but in the natural environments it intends to protect.

Buddy's briefing

In this week's edition of Buddy's Briefing, we are discussing the tragic murder of Laken Riley and the dire need for increased border security.

From our nation's capitol CDXLVIII

Monday, February 26, 2024: I stopped by the Glynn County Republican Precinct Caucus in Brunswick Saturday morning to bring them up to date on issues in Washington before heading to Savannah for the unveiling of the historic marker to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The marker was placed at the former Liberty Square in downtown Savannah near the Robert E. Robinson Parking Garage where the original 1824 St. Patrick’s Day Parade route began. Afterwards, I headed to Grove Point overlooking the Little Ogeechee River in Southside Savannah to the Georgia Conservancy Oyster Roast. For the past 56 years, the Georgia Conservancy has worked to protect and conserve Coastal Georgia through ecological and economic solutions. Later in the evening I headed to Hampton Island Preserve in Riceboro for the 40^th anniversary celebration of Coldwell Banker Southern Coast. Founded in 1984 by George and Babs Holtzman, the company continues a storied history of commitment to the community and military families of Liberty County.

Rep. Carter at the Savannah Saint Patrick's Day Parade Marker Ceremony

I’m in Savannah this morning as I meet with the Chair of the Georgia Tech Savannah Campus advisory board, Jim Collins, and others to discuss the future of this important educational and industry resource in our community. Next, I head to the Exchange Club of Savannah weekly meeting in Southside Savannah as we hear from District 1 Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) representative Ann Purcell and GDOT staff regarding the raising of the Talmadge Bridge over the Savannah River. Afterwards, I head to Camp Low on Rose Dhu Island, a camp run by the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. I am led on a tour of this scenic property that is enjoyed every year by thousands of Girl Scouts from around the country by CEO Sue Else, community management manager Chelsea Simpson, and regional advisory board members Jack Cay, Mark Bennett, and Susan Sprague. Next, I head to our Savannah district office where I have a virtual interview with NewsNation to discuss the southern border and the murder of University of Georgia student Laken Riley before having an on-camera interview with WSAV-TV in Savannah to discuss the same subject matter. Later, I have a live interview with Newsmax to discuss the same subject matter before heading to our Brunswick district office where I have a live interview on Newsmax 2 to discuss the southern border.

Rep. Carter visits Camp Low

Tuesday, February 27, 2024: I’m at the Southeast Georgia Conference Center at the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick this morning as I attend Hunter Maclean’s critical issues forum to discuss the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America project in Bryan County. After a very informative session, I head to Glynn Academy High School where I meet with a student interested in attending one of the service academies when she graduates next year. Next, I head to our Brunswick district office where I join in on our all-staff conference call before taping a virtual interview with NTD to discuss the southern border and the Laken Riley murder. Afterwards, I head to Waycross in Ware County where I have the honor of being the guest speaker of the Waycross Rotary Club at their weekly meeting. Staying in the Waycross area, I head to Unison Behavioral Health where they bring me up to date on the work they are doing with mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability services. Among the events they sponsored last year in the multi county area they serve were health fairs, recovery fairs, shine leadership programs, intellectual and developmental disability awareness, and mental health awareness.

Rep. Carter speaks to the Waycross Rotary Club

Wednesday, February 28, 2024: After joining in on a virtual call with the Joint National Committee for Language (JNCL) to learn more about their world language education programs, I join in on our district staff call before heading to the airport for my return trip to Washington. Once back in our DC office, I have a meeting with our scheduling staff before filming a video to celebrate Women’s Appreciation Month. Next, I meet with staff from the Energy and Commerce (E&C) Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials (ENV) Subcommittee for our weekly update before heading to the House Chamber where I speak on H.R. 6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act. Once back in our office, I have a meeting with our legislative staff followed by a meeting with our communications staff. After our weekly Whip Team meeting, I head to the House Chamber for our first vote series of the week and, after votes, I participate in a moment of silence led by the Georgia Legislative delegation in honor of Laken Riley. Next, I remain in the Chamber and pay tribute to Mark Burns, President of Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. in Savannah, who was recently honored with the Living Legends of Aviation Award.

Rep. Carter speaks on H.R. 6544, the Atomic Energy Advancement Act.

Thursday, February 29, 2024: After our weekly GOP Conference meeting, I head to an E&C Health Subcommittee hearing on rare disease bills that are currently before the subcommittee. Next, I head to the House Chamber where I pay tribute to Colt Brockington from Wayne County High School in Jesup who recently received the National Milken Educator Award, Kim Gusby from Savannah who will be inducted in the Georgia Association of Broadcasters (GAB) 2024 Hall of Fame, Leanna Piver, a Georgia Tech Varsity cheerleader who was killed in a car accident in 1998 and recently was awarded a posthumous degree from the University, and Megan Moroney from Savannah, a University of Georgia alum who received the Country Music Television (CMT) Award for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year for her single “Tennessee Orange.” Once back in our office, I meet with representatives from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) before meeting with the Georgia Civil Air Patrol. Next, I visit with Steve Dmetruk, one of our great Academy board members, who is visiting the Capitol with his family before heading to a press conference where we rollout the America’s Wildlife Habitat Conservation Act (AWHCA). After our second vote series of the week, I remain in the House Chamber and pay tribute to Josef Broder, who has spent 47 years at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at the University of Georgia and retired on Dec. 3, 2023. After attending a classified briefing in the Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) with members of the E&C committee, I head back to my office and join in on our all staff conference call. Next, I head to the House Recording Studio to film this week’s edition of Buddy’s Briefing and Material Minute and a tribute to GAB President Bob Houghton, congratulating him on his upcoming retirement before heading to the airport for my return flight home.

Rep. Carter asks questions at the Health Subcommittee Hearing

Friday, March 1, 2024: My day starts with a virtual meeting with entrepreneurs from the district whose businesses are affiliated with Shopify. Small businesses are the backbone of America’s economy, and these owners share their concerns and experiences with me. Next, I have a virtual interview with A Starting Point (ASP) to discuss legislation I am sponsoring to update the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), before having a conference call with E&C Health Subcommittee staff to discuss negotiations with the Senate of legislation I am sponsoring. After taking part in a podcast with the Western Caucus to discuss the EPA’s updated National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter, I head to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth in Pooler where I attend the State of the Chamber and Community Awards Ceremony sponsored by the Greater Pooler Area Chamber of Commerce. I simply cannot be any prouder of the great success the City of Pooler has experienced over the years and the progress they continue to make.

Rep. Carter attends the Pooler Chamber Awards Dinner

votes in the house

Click here to see this week's vote sheet in the House of Representatives.