Move to change endangered species law

A bill filed on Beacon Hill questions the authority of a state agency.

The bill would change the Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program and remove red tape so roads can be built and homes can go up across Massachusetts.

Western Massachusetts lawmakers, developers and a college representative packed a Beacon Hill committee meeting Wednesday.

They want to change the Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program.

State Representative Cheryl Coakley Rivera told the committee the agency's acted inappropriately.

Representative Cheryl Coakley Rivera said, “They take land of homeowners or ask them to make contributions of $20-40,000 to different organizations. Clearly this agency has overstepped their boundaries."

Bill supporters, including WWLP General Manager and Vice President Bill Pepin, claim projects have been stalled because the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is too powerful.

One organization in favor of this bill is Holyoke Community College. The college has been trying to provide students with another entrance to campus, but they have hit several roadblocks.

Erica Broman, Executive Director for Holyoke Community College Foundation, told 22News, "The issue seems to be we do a study and we present that with the idea that we can move forward and then they change the priority habitat and then they identify new areas of concern on the property and then insist we go back and do more studies."

The Audubon Society told 22News the law in place has worked for twenty years and there is no reason to change it.

Jack Clarke, Director of Public Policy & Government Relations for the Massachusetts Audubon Society said, "I think if an agency has overstepped their boundaries you should take it up with the agencies, but to go to the legislature and ask for a radical change is the wrong way to go."

Marlene Schroeder, President of Parker River Clean Watershed Association, said, "In my opinion it will devalue the earth and it is a very destructive bill."

There has been no vote so far. The committee plans more research and debate.