Overview
Title
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.
ELI5 AI
This bill wants to make sure that a bird called the lesser prairie-chicken doesn't get special help from a law meant to protect animals in danger. It says the prairie-chicken can't be put on a list for special protection anywhere, now or in the future.
Summary AI
H. R. 587 is a bill introduced in the House of Representatives aiming to remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened and endangered species. The bill proposes to change the Endangered Species Act of 1973, ensuring that the lesser prairie-chicken cannot be classified as threatened or endangered in the future. This legislation, if passed, would essentially exclude this bird species from receiving federal protection under the existing Act.
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AnalysisAI
General Summary of the Bill
H.R. 587 is a proposed piece of legislation introduced in the House of Representatives on January 21, 2025, by Mr. Mann along with several co-sponsors. The primary objective of this bill is to remove the lesser prairie-chicken, a species known scientifically as Tympanuchus pallidicinctus, from the lists of threatened and endangered species as outlined under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Additionally, the bill seeks to amend the Act to prohibit the future inclusion of the lesser prairie-chicken on these lists. This means that the lesser prairie-chicken would not receive the protections typically afforded to species that are considered at risk of extinction.
Summary of Significant Issues
The bill raises several concerns regarding the conservation of the lesser prairie-chicken. First, it proposes the delisting of the species from endangered or threatened status without presenting any scientific data or rationale, which can be seen as undermining the scientific framework that normally informs such decisions. Furthermore, by permanently barring the lesser prairie-chicken from being listed as endangered or threatened in the future, the bill could prevent essential protective measures if new scientific evidence indicates that the species is at risk. The inclusion of the phrase "Notwithstanding any other provision of law" introduces potential legal conflicts and ambiguity in relation to existing environmental protection laws. This approach might lead to debates and challenges regarding its consistency with other established conservation policies and efforts.
Impact on the Public and Specific Stakeholders
The broader impact of this bill on the public revolves around the overarching themes of conservation and environmental stewardship. If enacted, the bill could set a precedent for how species are managed under the Endangered Species Act, potentially lowering the reliance on scientific research to guide policy decisions. For those concerned with conservation and biodiversity, this could be perceived negatively, as it may lessen efforts to preserve threatened ecosystems. Additionally, individuals and groups committed to environmental protection may view this as a step backward, weakening the accountability and responsiveness of environmental legislation.
Conversely, specific stakeholders who may support this bill include industries or individuals in regions where the lesser prairie-chicken is found, such as agriculture, energy production, or development sectors. By removing federal protections, there may be fewer regulatory hurdles for land use and development projects, potentially leading to economic benefits for these stakeholders. However, this comes with the risk of long-term ecological damage if the species' population growth does not stabilize or improve without the protections once considered necessary.
In conclusion, H.R. 587 presents a significant shift in legislative handling of species conservation, prioritizing reduced regulation over scientific-based assessments of species' risk. The bill's implications highlight the ongoing tension between development interests and environmental conservation, with potential impacts felt at both local and national levels.
Issues
The bill removes the lesser prairie-chicken from the Endangered Species lists without providing scientific justification or data to support this decision (Section 1(a)), which could potentially be harmful to the species' conservation efforts and raises concerns about the lack of adherence to scientific standards in policy making.
The amendment to the Endangered Species Act in Section 1(b) explicitly excludes the lesser prairie-chicken from being listed as threatened or endangered in the future. This could limit future conservation actions, even if new environmental or scientific data emerge, potentially putting the species at risk if conditions change.
The use of 'Notwithstanding any other provision of law' in Section 1(a) could create conflicts with existing conservation laws or policies. This legal language introduces ambiguity and might lead to challenges or inconsistencies with other wildlife protection efforts.
The implications of permanently preventing the listing of the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered or threatened (Section 1(b)) could be seen as premature without adequate scientific assessment, possibly undermining long-term conservation strategies and efforts for the species.
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Delisting of lesser prairie-chicken Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section removes the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and specifies that the Secretary cannot list it as threatened or endangered in the future.