🚀 go-pugleaf

           ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT NEEDS SUPPORT AS
CONGRESSIONAL "TASK FORCE" TAKES AIM AT ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

  Concerned environmentalists are urged to gear up for a fight of
inestimable consequences -- the fight to save the Endangered Species Act 
(ESA) from the steamroller of the extremists who are behind the U.S. 
House of Representatives' "Contract with America."  Field hearings in CA 
are being scheduled by the Endangered Species "Task Force" - a 
congressional working group created by Alaska Congressman Don Young, the 
new chairman of the House Resources Committee.  Representative Pombo of 
CA is the appointed chairman of the Task Force.  The next hearing will be 
held in Southern CA:

                Wednesday, April 26th
             Riverside Convention Center
                 9:30 am to 1:30 pm


  Although the Task Force is charged with developing "reforms" to the 
ESA, the first two hearings held in March (in TX and LA) shut out ESA 
supporters from appearing as witnesses.  Rather than conducting the 
hearings as true public forums, it appears the Task Force hearings will, 
in truth, be orchestrated events designed to give development interests, 
"takings" advocates, and other ESA opponents a chance to attack the Act.

  To show the Task Force, the media, and the general public that there is 
earnest support for a strong ESA, the Southern CA Endangered Species 
Coalition is organizing a rally to take place at the Riverside hearing.  
A large presence is needed at the hearing to demonstrate support for 
protecting imperiled species and send the message to Congress to 
reauthorize a strong ESA.  If you are concerned about protecting 
endangered species and habitat, please plan to attend the rally!

  Bus transportation and/or carpooling to the hearing site has been 
arranged.  The hearing is on a week day, so please be willing to take a 
day off from work if necessary.  For updated information contact John 
Leary at (213) 387-4287 (w) or (310) 543-1193 (h)

  Also, it is important for ESA supporters to submit written testimony 
for the Task Force's official record.  Even if you cannot attend the 
hearing, you can submit testimony for the record.  It can be a short 
statement in the form of a letter to the Task Force; it doesn't have to 
be lengthy or technical.  Nor do you have to be an expert on the ESA.  
You only need to care about protecting species diversity.  Send your 
letter to the House Resources Committee at the address listed below.  In 
addition, please send a copy of your statement or letter to the 
Endangered Species Coalition; copies of letters and testimony are being 
compiled for a media briefing book.  Send your written testimony to:

        ESA Task Force Hearings
        House Resources Committee
        U.S. House of Representatives
        1324 Longworth House Office Building
        Washington, D.C.  20515


                BUS & CARPOOL INFO
          TO RIVERSIDE CONVENTION CENTER

BUS:    From W LA -- Bus leaves from CALPIRG office (4 blocks west of the 
        405 freeway, Venice Blvd exit, in Mar Vista)

        11965 Venice Blvd. (NE Corner of Venice & Inglewood)

        Departure time:  7:00 am sharp!


To Carpool:

Riverside Convention Center, 3443 Orange Street

Directions:  10 freeway West, to 15 South, to 60 East
from LA      Exit Market street, turn right, then left on 5th St
             Center is on left side, behind Holiday Inn
             or, call them at (909) 787-7950

Directions:  91 freeway East, Exit University Ave, turn left
from Orange  Turn right on Market St, right again on 5th St
County

Parking:     Parking structure under convention center; parking lots
             on 5th St between Market St and Orange St; street parking
             on 5th St and adjacent side streets.

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Caltech Environmental Task Force          |             ONE PLANET
140-58 Caltech, Pasadena, CA  91125       |           is all you get.
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