Candidate McCain and the ESA

Comparing to the other two candidates, McCain’s LCV score is the weakest: 26 (using 6 years of records from 2001 to 2006).

In response to the same LCV question about the ESA, McCain replied: “Americans want and need a strong Endangered Species Act. While the current law is sound and has produced a number of notable successes, I believe there are areas where it can be improved. As President, I would support reforms that maintain strong and responsible protection for threatened and endangered species and promote species recovery while bringing greater levels of cooperation, efficiency and cost-effectiveness to the effort. I believe that part of this effort must include achieving greater levels of coordination among federal, state, and local agencies, and working proactively and cooperatively with private landowners to protect habitat in a way that enhances species while respecting property rights.” Based on this reply, he is supporting the change of the ESA, and his position seems to weight habitat and species protection the same as property rights protection.

On 2/8/2008, Scientific American published an article indicating that McCain challenged the money spent ($3 million) on studying the DNA of grizzly bears (a threatened species added to the ESA since 1975 except the experimental populations in MT, ID and Yellowstone). He called the Northern Divide Grizzly Bear Project “Unbelievable” and “a waste of money”.

On the other hand, scientists believe that the study is crucial to obtain “the first accurate population estimate of grizzlies living in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem”. This information will help scientists understand the population and develop plans for preservation. Obviously, scientists were not amused by McCain’s comments which he made on his TV ad and on the stump. In my opinion, such comments may draw support from people who favor curbing government spending. However, his remarks seem a bit insensitive to the work done on grizzly bear protection, and are also quite disrespectful to the scientists who are working on the project.

Regarding McCain’s position on drilling ANWR, he stated “I do not support drilling in the ANWR at this time. The question of whether the area should be officially designated as Wilderness should be considered in terms of the multiple uses for which the refuge has been set aside; whether the area meets the statutory definition of such a designation under the Wilderness Act, and taking into consideration the views of affected stakeholders, including the people of Alaska and their elected leaders”. The wordings of ‘at this time’ really open the possibility for drilling in the future. By bringing the ‘the people of Alaska and their elected leaders’ to the debate, he could redirect criticisms to different groups should a decision to drill is made by his administration.

With his long Senate record, McCain submitted legislation (senate bill 1963) in 11/1999 requiring a better study of the endangered Sonoran pronghorn habitat. He also sponsored a resolution (S.RES.121) for the International Whaling Commission to end whaling and illegal trade in whale meat.

In 2005, several tribal leaders asked McCain to oppose the Pombo’s bill which could weaken the ESA. McCain indicated that the Senate would not likely pass a bill that makes major changes to the ESA. He said “I haven't heard a groundswell of people saying, Reform the Endangered Species Act”.

It is obviously that McCain’s environmental position is weak compared to the two Democratic candidates. His position takes on some no-brainer issues like end whaling. However, he has not made any clear position regarding ANWR drilling and the ESA reform.