To remove certain species from the lists of threatened species and endangered species published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Impact
By enacting HB 2608, the bill would significantly change the legal landscape governing wildlife protections. Removing these species from protection lists could lead to increased human activity in their habitats, potentially undermining conservation efforts. The bill reflects a shift towards favoring economic development over environmental protections, raising concerns among conservationists and ecological advocates about potential negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems if these species are no longer protected.
Summary
House Bill 2608 aims to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 by removing certain species from the lists of threatened and endangered species. Specifically, the bill targets species such as the Arabian oryx, Banteng, Eld's brow-antlered deer, Grevy's zebra, red lechwe, seledang, swamp deer, and the Bukharan markhor. The proposal seeks to alter existing protections and regulatory frameworks that currently safeguard these species from extinction, thereby impacting their conservation status and habitat protections across the United States.
Contention
The bill has sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders, with proponents arguing that certain species have rebounded enough to warrant reduced protections, while opponents point out the risks of encouraging hunting and habitat destruction. Critics assert that the removals could set a dangerous precedent, weakening the Endangered Species Act and hampering efforts to recover other at-risk species. Furthermore, the exclusion of the Bukharan markhor raises questions about species-specific conservation strategies and the balance between local needs and global ecological responsibilities.
To remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened species and endangered species published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and to amend that Act to exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the authority of that Act.
A bill to remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened species and endangered species published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, to amend that Act to exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the authority of that Act, and for other purposes.
Less Imprecision in Species Treatment Act of 2025 or the LIST Act of 2025This bill modifies the process for removing a species from the endangered or threatened species lists and makes related requirements. A species must be removed from the endangered or threatened species lists if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service produces or receives substantial scientific or commercial information demonstrating that the species is recovered or that recovery goals set for the species have been met.The publication and notice of a proposed regulation to remove a species from the lists must consist solely of a notice of the removal.The bill establishes a process for removing species from the lists if they were erroneously or wrongfully listed. The bill prohibits a person from submitting a petition to list a species as a threatened or endangered species for 10 years if the person knowingly submitted a petition with information that was inaccurate beyond scientifically reasonable margins of error, fraudulent, or misrepresentative.
American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act of 2025This bill limits the protection of endangered or threatened species to species that are native to the United States. In addition, the bill prohibits certain funding for endangered or threatened species from being used to acquire lands, waters, or other interests in foreign countries.
A bill to require the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue a final rule removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.