H.R.587 - 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. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 587 aims to remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The bill also seeks to amend the ESA to exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the Act's authority altogether. This action would prevent the Secretary of Interior from designating the lesser prairie-chicken as threatened or endangered in the future.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 587 would lift federal protections for the lesser prairie-chicken. This could lead to increased land development and resource extraction in the areas inhabited by the species. The removal of protections could impact the species' population and habitat.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces regulatory burdens on landowners and businesses operating in areas inhabited by the lesser prairie-chicken.
- May allow for increased economic activity, such as oil and gas development or agriculture, in affected regions.
- Could streamline land management processes by removing the need to consider the species' protected status.
- Could be seen as a win for states and local communities who feel federal regulations are overly restrictive.
- May reduce costs associated with species conservation efforts.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could lead to a decline in the lesser prairie-chicken population and potential extinction.
- May negatively impact the overall biodiversity and ecosystem health of the affected regions.
- Could undermine the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act.
- May create conflict between those who prioritize economic development and those who prioritize environmental conservation.
- Could set a precedent for delisting other species based on political considerations rather than scientific evidence.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality hinges on the balance between Congress's power to regulate commerce and property (Article I, Section 8) and the potential impact on environmental resources. The Endangered Species Act itself has been upheld under the Commerce Clause, as it can be argued that protecting endangered species has economic benefits. However, this bill seeks to limit the scope of that Act. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific individual rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights.
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).