U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones, R-N.C., is taking action to modernize the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in order to prevent the waste of taxpayer money and implementation of unnecessary, economically harmful regulations.

This week Congressman Jones is co-sponsoring seven pieces of legislation that would bring transparency to ESA processes and reduce the law's impact on economic growth.

"In Eastern North Carolina, we continue to see the negative economic impact of unnecessary ESA-related regulations," said Congressman Jones. "Often times these regulations are based on suspect science, and are implemented on top of other federal, state and local management measures that are already adequately protecting the species in question.

"The bills that I've cosponsored would enact common-sense reforms, bring transparency to ESA listing and litigation procedures, and ensure that the economy and other important factors are fully considered before more unnecessary regulations are put into place."

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