Legislator Spotlight: Representative Larry Satcowitz

About Representative Larry Satcowitz

Representative Larry Satcowitz sponsored Vermont H.812 to review and expand laws surrounding invasive species management. H.812 expands definitions allowing for more comprehensive invasive species management and allows for more protections for native species and habitats.

What motivated you to get work on endangered species and why is this topic important to you?

I’ve been terribly concerned my entire adult life about the increasing damage humans have inflicted on our diverse ecosystems and the biodiversity they contain. I’ve studied the issue in both formal educational settings (I have a M.S. degree in Zoology) and informally through my own readings over the years. I’ve learned more than enough to understand that we’re not doing enough to protect endangered species.

What led you to choose endangered species legislation and what was the impact of your policy?

Given my background this topic really resonated with me and it hasn’t been looked at in Vermont for some time. My bill was taken up by the Vermont House Environment and Energy Committee, which I sit on, but was not voted on. It did, however, get the attention of the Fish and Wildlife Department, and I’m going to work with them and other stakeholders before the next legislative session to craft a bill that will update Vermont’s endangered species statutes.

How has NCEL helped you in your work?

NCEL has been an invaluable resource. They have been available to personally answer my questions, provide guidance about the issue, and most of all, recently wrote a report that summarized the state of endangered species laws nationwide. This report both inspired me to take a close look at the laws here in Vermont and made it easy to see some of the areas where Vermont might be able to do better. I’m grateful!