H.R.130 - Trust the Science Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 130, the "Trust the Science Act," directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a final rule from November 3, 2020, which removed the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bill mandates reissuance within 60 days of enactment. It also stipulates that the reissuance of this rule will not be subject to judicial review.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be the delisting of the gray wolf, potentially impacting its conservation status and management. This could lead to increased hunting and state management of the wolf population. The elimination of judicial review prevents legal challenges to the delisting decision.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced regulatory burden on landowners and states in managing wolf populations.
- Potential for increased economic activity related to hunting and wildlife management.
- Allows states to implement their own wolf management plans, potentially tailored to local needs.
- Could lead to a more balanced ecosystem if wolf populations are perceived to be overpopulated in certain areas.
- Streamlines the process by preventing judicial delays.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential threat to the gray wolf population due to increased hunting and reduced protections.
- Loss of biodiversity and ecosystem balance if wolf populations decline significantly.
- Concerns from environmental groups and conservationists regarding the long-term survival of the species.
- Reduced opportunity for public input and legal challenges to the delisting decision.
- May set a precedent for removing other species from the endangered species list without thorough scientific review.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's directive to the Secretary of the Interior falls under Congress's power to enact laws regarding wildlife management, although the commerce clause (Article I, Section 8) is often invoked in such cases due to the interstate nature of wildlife and related economic activities. The limitation on judicial review raises questions regarding due process and the ability to challenge governmental actions, potentially conflicting with principles of fairness and accountability. However, Congress has broad authority to define the jurisdiction of federal courts.
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).