H.R.1150 - Sturgeon Protected and Exempt from Absurd Regulations Act of 2025; SPEAR Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1150, the SPEAR Act of 2025, aims to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to exclude specific populations of lake sturgeon in Wisconsin from federal protection. The bill highlights the successful management of the lake sturgeon population in the Lake Winnebago system by Wisconsin's state agencies and local groups. It seeks to ensure the continuation of the annual sturgeon spearing season, which is culturally significant and economically important to the region.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.1150 would prevent the Secretary of Interior from listing the lake sturgeon populations in Wisconsin as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. This would allow Wisconsin to continue managing the sturgeon population without federal intervention. The state's management plan, including the annual spearing season, would remain in effect.
Potential Benefits
- Preserves a long-standing cultural tradition of sturgeon spearing in Wisconsin.
- Allows Wisconsin to continue its successful lake sturgeon management program without federal oversight.
- Supports local economies and small businesses that rely on the annual spearing season.
- Maintains the recreational fishing opportunities associated with a healthy sturgeon population.
- Avoids potential economic burdens associated with federal regulations under the Endangered Species Act.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could potentially lead to a decline in the lake sturgeon population if Wisconsin's management practices prove insufficient in the long term.
- May set a precedent for excluding other species from Endangered Species Act protection based on successful state-level management, potentially weakening the Act.
- Could face opposition from environmental groups concerned about the long-term sustainability of the sturgeon population without federal oversight.
- Limits the ability of the federal government to intervene if unforeseen circumstances threaten the sturgeon population.
- May not fully account for potential impacts of climate change or other external factors on the sturgeon population.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power to regulate interstate commerce under Article I, Section 8, which has been interpreted to include environmental regulations. However, states also have rights to manage their natural resources. This bill essentially delegates management authority back to the state of Wisconsin for this specific species population. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which could support this action. However, the Endangered Species Act is a valid exercise of federal power, so amending it is also within Congress's purview.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).