Action needed by all exotic keepers!

[JeffreH]

<24 Hours left.

[Silkmoth]

How and where do I sign it? I see the part that wants a donation but I dont have the money.

[JeffreH]

Hi Silkmoth,

Follow the link below and the steps that follow. There are 4 actions you can take, 3 of which can be done online within about 5-10 minutes (Leaving public comment at regulations.gov; contacting senator; contacting fed. representative). Simply copy and paste the provided sample letter (or write your own) as instructed and sign your name. The only step that cannot be done online is the physical sending of a letter.

2014: Cat Ex Action Alert (Deadline 2/21/14) | USARK

I will paste the info from USARK's website from the link below:

_____
2014: Cat Ex Action Alert (Deadline 2/21/14)

Note: This is a new comment submission format, so comment even if you have previously.In response to the USFWS proposal to allow a “Categorical Exclusion” from NEPA requirements: This rule would allow USFWS to add species as injurious (making importation, interstate commerce and interstate transportation illegal) without full due process afforded under the law. This affects reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, small mammals and a huge portion of the pet industry. Any species listed would disappear from the pet community. Spread the information and protect your rights. Remember to be civil and professional in any correspondence. View the reopening announcement in the Federal Register at http://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/FWS-HQ-FAC-2013-0118-0005.pdf.
You can also view additional USARK information and previous action concerning Cat Ex at www.usark.org/uncategorized/catex-update-and-usark-in-d-c-92413/.

How You Can Help (Deadline extended to February 21, 2014)It is most effective to do all 4 steps below

1. Copy and paste the subject line and sample letter below (or edit) and complete the form at www.regulations.gov/#!submitComment;D=FWS-HQ-FAC-2013-0118-0005.


2. You can mail a letter to USFWS. Just print the letter at http://usark.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Dear-Interior-Secretary-Jewell.pdf. Be sure to sign it and print your name and address at the bottom (you may include your email address and phone number if desired). Also, write the date in the upper right. The mailing address is below. Write “NO to CatEx” on the envelope.
Public Comments ProcessingAttn: Docket No. FWS–HQ–FAC–2013–0118Division of Policy and Directives ManagementU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service4401 N. Fairfax Drive, MS–2042–PDMArlington, VA 22203

3. Contact your Senator: Simply click the link and then “Choose a State.” Click on your Senator’s contact link and you will be provided with a contact form and contact information for your two state Senators. Copy and paste the letter and subject title below and send it. http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm


4. Contact your federal Representative: Simply click the link and enter your zip code. You will see your Representative’s information (you may need to narrow search with your address). You will see a small envelope next to your Representative’s picture that you can click to send an email (or you may visit the Representative’s website provided). Simply copy and paste the subject title and sample letter below and send it: http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/
__________________________________________________ ________________________________________

Sample Letter

Subject: NO to USFWS Categorical Exclusion
Sample letter below:
I write today to oppose the Service’s proposed categorical exclusion from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for proposed listing of species as injurious under the Lacey Act.
As a reptile hobbyist, I am overwhelmingly troubled over the impact that listing certain species of snakes and other species commonly held in the reptile trade in the United States will have on my pets, as well as the livelihoods and small businesses of others in the reptile segment of the pet industry. The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) and others have conducted extensive research and due diligence. They have provided economic impact data and sound science to USFWS to refute many of the findings and concerns raised in the initial proposals. These concerns included the possible violation of NEPA requirements.
Specifically, USFWS ignored important scientific findings that contradicted its pre-determined outcome. State fish and wildlife agencies, research institutions, conservationists, zoos, public educators and even other federal government scientists raised important conservation concerns. Although such concerns are at the heart of NEPA, these were unlawfully ignored. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) and many other reputable organizations oppose this categorical exclusion.
I, therefore, object to the Service’s last minute effort to remove the NEPA protections that are afforded to citizens under the law to prevent the implementation of an onerous rule that will impact the freedom of Americans to enjoy reptiles as pets and own reptile-related businesses while failing to address the potential negative environmental impacts of the rule.
I believe that the listing of these snakes, and any other species without due process, is unwarranted and infringes on our rights to engage in an activity that we enjoy and that poses no threat to the environment. The proposed exclusion from NEPA just adds insult to injury in denying American citizens the due process the law affords to challenge the impact of the proposed rule.
As a citizen of America, the land of the free, my freedom to own reptiles and amphibians as pets has been under attack for several years. These attacks have caused great hardship to myself, my family, my friends who own reptile-related businesses and the economy of the United States. By allowing this rule, the FWS would have overreaching power to severely affect the pet reptile community further. I implore you to not allow this exclusion as it is only one more step toward destroying a $1.4 billion industry and my freedom to enjoy my beloved pet reptiles, along with over five million other families.


Sincerely,
Your name, address, contact info, etc.

[Bombina Bob]

Just filled it out, I did not see this coming! thank you so much Grif the great who referred me to this post!

[JeffreH]

I wish there was a better way to inform everyone - we've managed 130 views on this topic but that isn't going to be enough. It's been plastered all over Facebook groups and I've been trying to spread the word on several other forums as well. It's difficult to get important information like this across to the average, everyday keeper.