Deborah Bagocius (202) 772-0239

Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Senators Crapo, Lincoln, Baucus, and Grassley for Leadership on Endangered Species Tax Incentives Legislation

New Bill Provides Incentives for Private Landowners To Protect Endangered or Threatened Species

Washington, D.C. – Defenders of Wildlife hailed the introduction of The Endangered Species Recovery Act of 2007 as a significant step forward in protecting threatened and endangered species that reside on private land. The bill, sponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), as well as other Senators including Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA), Ranking Member of the Finance Committee, aims to make private landowners partners in conservation by providing $400 million a year in new tax credits, plus additional deductions and exclusions, for citizens who take steps to help endangered or threatened species on the properties they own.

"Partnering with private landowners on wildlife conservation is absolutely critical," said Defenders of Wildlife president Rodger Schlickeisen. "This legislation provides key incentives to enlist more landowners in this effort, which benefits people and endangered species alike. Senators Crapo, Lincoln, Baucus and Grassley are to be congratulated for their foresight on this vital issue and we look forward to continuing to work with them to enact this important legislation."

The bill has four major tax incentive components: habitat protection easement credits, habitat restoration tax credits, deductions and market mechanisms. Specifically the bill provides tax credits to landowners who place an easement on their property to further the recovery of threatened or endangered species. The size of the tax credit increases with the duration of the easement, with a permanent easement providing a credit equal to 100 percent of the difference between the value of the property before and after the establishment of the easement.

Moreover, landowners who conduct habitat restoration projects on their land can receive tax credits up to 100 percent of the restoration costs. In addition, those who engage in actions recommended in recovery plans approved under the Endangered Species Act can deduct the cost of the actions they have taken. For those landowners who may not have the funds to undertake conservation measures themselves, or sufficient taxable income to take full advantage of the bill's incentives, the bill contains a provision that allows partnerships to fund the species conservation activities and still receive the tax incentives. "Whether going alone or partnering with other landowners, this bill creates a potential market that should result in more conservation, particularly for farmers and ranchers who may be land-rich but cash-poor," declared Schlickeisen.

"This bill provides essential financial tools to assist landowners in preserving and protecting endangered species on their land," said Schlickeisen. "Most importantly, it backs up the government's commitment to safeguard America's most imperiled wildlife with money that will go directly to efforts to protect vulnerable species. Partnering with private landowners is often the most effective, cost-efficient and results-oriented way to protect our nation's wildlife for future generations."

At press time, original co-sponsors of the bill include Mike Crapo (R-ID), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Max Baucus (D-MT), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Ken Salazar (D-CO), Mark Pryor (D-AR), Ben Nelson(D-NE), Harry Reid (D-NV), Charles Grassley (R-IA), Wayne Allard (R-CO), Gordon Smith (R-OR), Robert Bennett (R-UT), Michael Enzi (R-WY), Larry Craig (R-ID), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Sam Brownback (R-KS).

For more information visit www.saveesa.org

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Defenders of Wildlife is a leading nonprofit conservation organization recognized as one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and its habitat. With more than 500,000 members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is an effective leader on endangered species issues.