House Engrossed

military bases; exemption from ESA

State of Arizona

House of Representatives

Fifty-seventh Legislature

First Regular Session

2025

HOUSE CONCURRENT MEMORIAL 2004

A Concurrent Memorial

urging the United States Congress to enact legislation exempting military bases from the endangered species act.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

To the Congress of the United States of America:

Your memorialist respectfully represents:

Whereas, the mission of the United States Department of Defense is "to provide the military forces needed to deter war and to protect the security of our country"; and

Whereas, according to the Department of Defense and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a fundamental principle of military readiness is that the military must train as it intends to fight; and

Whereas, the Department of Defense has established military training facilities in Arizona, including Luke Air Force Base, Fort Huachuca, the Barry M. Goldwater Range, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground, the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and Camp Navajo Army Base, to accomplish this goal; and

Whereas, Department of Defense officials indicate that heightened focus on the application of environmental statutes has affected the use of its training areas; and

Whereas, compliance with environmental regulations, especially the Endangered Species Act (ESA), has caused some training activities to be canceled, postponed or modified; and

Whereas, compliance with environmental regulations, particularly the ESA, has forced military officials to make adjustments to training regimens, including requiring units in training to avoid areas with ESA restrictions; and

Whereas, since 2003, the Department of Defense has obtained exemptions from three environmental laws and sought exemptions from three others; and

Whereas, these exemptions allow the military to maintain its high state of readiness and help to ensure its ability to meet unexpected threats; and

Whereas, these exemptions are needed to allow the military to maintain its readiness; and

Whereas, a GAO report found no instances in which the Department of Defense's use of exemptions from the ESA or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act has adversely affected the environment; and

Whereas, the United States military has proven itself to be a responsible and effective steward of the land and environment; and

Whereas, it is imperative that we have a strong national defense to protect our freedoms, country, state and communities.

Wherefore your memorialist, the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring, prays:

1. That the United States Congress enact legislation exempting United States military bases and training facilities from the regulations and restrictions of the Endangered Species Act.

2. That the Secretary of State of the State of Arizona transmit a copy of this Memorial to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and each Member of Congress from the State of Arizona.