Chair and Members of the Committee, my name is James “Trapper” Fowler, and I am representing Wild Virginia and speaking in support HB 411. We see HB 411 as providing an opportunity for more public engagement, assurances that there are tailored protections for specific projects and species of concern, and a means for the state to fill gaps in the review process currently lost under federal review. Within the environmental review manual update requirement, there is great opportunity for the consideration of wildlife crossing infrastructure and aquatic organism passage projects. And where feasible and implemented these wildlife crossings and aquatic organism passage projects leading to safer roads and better water quality for all Virginians. HB 411 aims to streamline the permitting process and provide for more efficiency and transparency. For these reasons, we ask that you support HB 411. Thank you.
Chair and Members of the Committee, my name is James “Trapper” Fowler, and I am representing Wild Virginia and speaking in support HB 411. We see HB 411 as providing an opportunity for more public engagement, assurances that there are tailored protections for specific projects and species of concern, and a means for the state to fill gaps in the review process currently lost under federal review. Within the environmental review manual update requirement, there is great opportunity for the consideration of wildlife crossing infrastructure and aquatic organism passage projects. And where feasible and implemented these wildlife crossings and aquatic organism passage projects leading to safer roads and better water quality for all Virginians. HB 411 aims to streamline the permitting process and provide for more efficiency and transparency. For these reasons, we ask that you support HB 411. Thank you.