H.R.4033 - Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.4033, the Sturgeon Conservation and Sustainability Act of 2025, proposes amendments to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bill aims to allow certain activities related to sturgeon held in captivity or controlled environments without triggering specific ESA regulations. This would apply until the sturgeon or their progeny are intentionally returned to the wild.
Expected Effects
The bill would create exemptions under the Endangered Species Act for sturgeon farming and related activities. This could potentially ease regulatory burdens on aquaculture businesses raising sturgeon. It may also impact conservation efforts for wild sturgeon populations.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces regulatory burdens on sturgeon aquaculture.
- May encourage the development of sustainable sturgeon farming practices.
- Could lead to increased availability of sturgeon products for consumers.
- Provides clarity regarding the applicability of the ESA to farmed sturgeon.
- Requires documentation and inventories, potentially improving data collection on farmed sturgeon.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could weaken protections for endangered wild sturgeon populations.
- May create loopholes for illegal harvesting or trade of wild sturgeon.
- Potential for unintended consequences on sturgeon ecosystems if farmed sturgeon escape.
- The definition of "controlled environment" may be subject to interpretation and abuse.
- The bill does not address the potential impacts of sturgeon farming on water quality or other environmental factors.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with Congress's power to regulate commerce under Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (the Commerce Clause), as it pertains to the regulation of sturgeon farming, which can be considered an economic activity. However, the bill's potential impact on endangered species and environmental protection could raise questions related to the government's responsibility to protect natural resources for future generations. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, so the extent of federal regulation of sturgeon farming within a state could be a point of contention.
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).