On a beautiful autumn afternoon in the Central Valley, Assemblyman Keith Olberg (R-Victorville) participated in a major bill signing ceremony with Gov. Pete Wilson and several legislative colleagues. The Governor signed a package of bills that will reform the California Endangered Species Act, and streamline wildlife management throughout the state.
A significant piece in the puzzle needed to bring certainty to endangered species protection and streamline and simplify the process, was a measure authored by Olberg. Assembly Bill 21 provides a vital link between the Federal Endangered Species Act and California Endangered Species Act.
Current law requires a permit applicant to satisfy the conditions of both laws prior to initiating any activity that may “take” a threatened or endangered species. Olberg’s bill allows the Department of Fish and Game to recognize the terms and conditions of the federal permit for those species listed by both federal and state wildlife agencies.
“This type of compromise legislation requires thoughtful and strongleadership,” said Gov. Wilson. “Keith demonstrated each of those characteristics throughout the process.”
"Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
John Wooden
The complete package of bills will allow California businesses to continue their activities while at the same time provide environmental protection for sensitive species. Apart from the Olberg bill, the two other key endangered species bills clarify the authority of the Department of Fish and Game to issue “take” permits for activities that are considered incidental to otherwise lawful, or permitted activities.
Senate Bill 879 (Johnston) protects all existing permits that have been issued by the Department of Fish and Game, while Senate BIll 231 (Costa) extends legal protection to California’s farmers and ranchers who provide important habitat for all types of wildlife, with particular emphasis on threatened or endangered species.
“Each of us took extraordinary steps to ensure the success of our bills, both singularly and collectively,” said Olberg. “Our strong relationships kept the focus where it needed to be throughout the legislative process, and that’s why we are here together today.”
Keith is the type of legislative leader that gets things done,” the Governor said. “It should be no surprise that he played a major role in this agreement.”
Olberg’s commitment was recognized by several groups, including the California Cattlemen’s Association. Sheila Massey, senior director of government affairs for the association offered her praise. “Our hats are off to you as one of the most notable for your perserverance in oftentimes heated negotiations to hammer out a workable CESA bill for agriculture.”
“While none of us was looking to take credit for this package, today is an appropriate opportunity to recognize the efforts of the Legislature and Governor to engage in sensitive, and often controversial issues, and bring them to an effective and positive conclusion,” added Olberg.
The ceremony, held at Fresno City Hall, was attended by each of the legislators who authored bills relating to wildlife management in California. The bi-partisan coalition included Fresno-area Assembly member Charles Poochigian, who served as master of ceremonies and Senator Jim Costa.
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