Idaho advances endangered species bill

A bill giving Idaho more decision-making power over endangered species is headed to the full Senate for a vote. The Senate Resources and Environment Committee on Monday voted in favor of legislation that would give the state final say on whether an endangered plant or animal is reintroduced into the state. Current law already requires the legislature to approve reintroducing rare species. Rogerson Republican Sen. Bert Brackett said the measure will help state to manage wildlife. But Ketchum Democrat Sen. Michelle Stennett questioned whether the bill would have any teeth when matched against federal authority. She says the state could ultimately lose money arguing the question with the federal government in the courts. Brackett said he thought those questions could instead be resolved through an administrative appeals process. AP