GOP puts off vote to relax U.S. Endangered Species Act after Andrew Garbarino objects

WASHINGTON — A Long Island congressman said he helped persuade GOP House leaders to abruptly yank a Wednesday vote on Republican legislation that critics say would gravely weaken the federal Endangered Species Act.

Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) said he was among Republicans not backing the bill, explaining in a statement, "I worked directly with House leadership today to ensure this vote did not reach the floor because of the concerns it raised for Long Island."

The decision by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and his lieutenants to postpone the election-year vote on a largely partisan bill came as it became clear there was not enough Republican backing.

House Republicans hold a narrow 217 -212 seat edge over Democrats, with five vacancies and one independent. That means the defection of any two Republicans, if all other members showed up and voted along party lines, could have defeated the bill.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), who is chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, did not immediately return messages for comment on when the bill will be voted on, if ever, or what changes could be made.

Newsday reported this week Long Island species that benefit from the Endangered Species Act include the rufa red knot, a migratory bird that rests on local beaches during its long migrations; roseate terns; four sea turtle species; and piping plovers. More generally, other species like the iconic humpback whale and bald eagle have flourished under the protections of the act, enacted in 1973.

"Protecting our environment and wildlife will always be a priority for the communities I represent," Garbarino added in his statement. His office did not immediately provide the specific concerns regarding Long Island that he raised with GOP leaders.

Westerman’s bill would roll back procedural safeguards — some of which he describes as "red tape" — that ensure listed species won’t be killed or harmed, including allowing exemptions to the law if the federal government decides national security or economic interests are at stake. The bill is supported by the oil and gas, mining, logging and ranching industries, which over the years have fought restrictions on their operations in sensitive habitats.

Long Island’s other Republican congressman, Nick LaLota (R-Amityville), did not immediately provide a response through his office, while its two Democratic House members applauded the vote being pulled.

"Endangered wildlife and habitats on Long Island and across the country are facing an unprecedented crisis," Rep. Laura Gillen (D-Rockville Centre) said. "I’m glad this harmful bill was pulled from consideration."

"Gutting the Endangered Species Act on Earth Day, or any day, is just an awful idea," added Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove). "I think the outpouring of opposition convinced them it wasn’t worth the hit."

 Members of Congress were deluged with thousands of emails and calls from activists and supporters of the act opposing Westerman’s bill.

Chris Allieri, founder of NYC Plover Project, issued a statement expressing gratitude to both Garbarino and LaLota — "and the many voters across Long Island who placed phone calls."