H.R.2293 - Cormorant Relief Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2293, the Cormorant Relief Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations concerning the taking of double-crested cormorants at aquaculture facilities. The bill aims to reinstate a previous depredation order, expanding its application to additional states and entities. Specifically, it includes California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as well as lake and pond managers.
Expected Effects
The reissuance of the depredation order would allow for the regulated taking of double-crested cormorants to protect aquaculture facilities from predation. This could lead to reduced losses for aquaculture businesses in the specified states. The inclusion of lake and pond managers broadens the scope of who can take action against the birds.
Potential Benefits
- Protects aquaculture facilities from cormorant predation, potentially increasing their profitability.
- Expands the scope of protection to additional states and managers, addressing a wider range of concerns.
- May lead to increased fish production in aquaculture facilities.
- Could reduce economic losses associated with cormorant predation.
- Provides a regulatory framework for managing cormorant populations around aquaculture facilities.
Potential Disadvantages
- May negatively impact double-crested cormorant populations.
- Could face opposition from environmental groups concerned about bird conservation.
- The expansion to new states may require additional resources for monitoring and enforcement.
- Potential for unintended ecological consequences if cormorant populations are significantly reduced.
- Ethical concerns regarding the killing of wildlife, even for economic purposes.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating activities that affect interstate commerce, specifically the aquaculture industry. There are no apparent infringements on individual rights or liberties as defined by the Constitution or its amendments. The bill delegates authority to the Secretary of the Interior, which is a common practice and generally permissible under the Constitution.
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).