Republicans urge Biden not to release deadly apex predator near rural community – By Thomas Catenacci (Fox News) / Oct 9, 2023
Locals oppose Biden administration proposal to release grizzly bears because they pose ‘danger to the safety of their communities,’ GOP lawmaker says
A group of Republicans are calling for the Biden administration to allow the public additional time to voice concerns with a proposal to release grizzly bear populations in a federally managed forest area in northern Washington.
Led by Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., the six GOP lawmakers asked Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director Martha Williams and National Park Service (NPS) Director Charles Sams in a letter Friday to extend the public comment period on the proposal to 180 days. They also requested the agencies host additional in-person meetings with community members that would be impacted by the proposal.
“Time and again, northern Washingtonians have expressed their deep concerns about the introduction of grizzlies into the North Cascades, as they are a danger to the safety of their communities,” Newhouse said in a statement.
“Despite this opposition, the Biden administration is set on moving forward with the introduction of these apex predators against the will of locals,” the Washington lawmaker continued. “That’s why I’m joining with my colleagues to demand an extension of the public comment period on this proposed relocation of bears so that the Washingtonians impacted by this have adequate time to review and respond.”
