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.
Impact
If this bill is enacted, it could significantly alter the legal status of the lesser prairie-chicken, thereby influencing conservation efforts and development policies in areas where the species is currently protected. Proponents of the bill argue that delisting the lesser prairie-chicken may stimulate local economies by reducing restrictions on land use. They believe that improved management practices can protect local agricultural interests without adversely impacting the species. Conversely, this action could lead to increased threats to the lesser prairie-chicken population, as habitat degradation from development could exacerbate their decline.
Summary
House Bill 587 aims to remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bill proposes amendments that specifically exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the Secretary's authority to classify species as threatened or endangered. The intention behind this legislation is aligned with concerns regarding both economic development and the management of land resources where the habitat of the lesser prairie-chicken is situated.
Contention
The discussion surrounding HB 587 has revealed notable contention between economic interests and environmental conservation. Supporters see it as a necessary step towards balancing land use with economic needs, while opponents worry about the long-term implications for wildlife preservation and biodiversity. Critics argue that removing such protections could set a precedent for future legislation that undermines the foundational goals of the Endangered Species Act. They emphasize the importance of conserving vulnerable species for ecological health and sustainability.
Related bill
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.
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.
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.
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.