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.
Impact
The potential impact of SB171 on state and federal laws could be significant, particularly in contexts where the lesser prairie-chicken's habitat overlaps with agricultural and development interests. By removing protections, the bill may enable increased land use changes and economic activities in areas previously constrained by conservation mandates. This could lead to further loss of habitat for the lesser prairie-chicken, raising concerns among environmentalists and conservationists regarding the long-term survival of the species and its ecosystem.
Summary
SB171 is a legislative bill introduced to remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened and endangered species as designated by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bill aims to amend the Act to clearly exclude this specific bird species from its protections, fundamentally shifting the regulatory landscape concerning wildlife conservation efforts for this species. Supporters of the bill emphasize the need for regulatory relief for landowners and industries that may be affected by the preservation measures currently in place for the lesser prairie-chicken, which they argue are overly burdensome and impede economic development.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB171 include balancing economic development with environmental conservation. Proponents argue that the bill is necessary for economic growth, particularly for sectors reliant on land use, while opponents express concerns that the removal of protections could have detrimental effects on biodiversity and ecological health. The debate highlights broader tensions between environmental protection and resource development, setting the stage for discussions about state versus federal authority in managing endangered species.
Related 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 and to amend that Act to exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the authority of that Act.
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.
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.
To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow importation of polar bear trophies taken in sport hunts in Canada before the date the polar bear was determined to be a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.