H.R.65 - Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.65, the Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act, seeks to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bill aims to restrict the Secretary of the Interior's ability to designate lands used for national defense as critical habitats. It also broadens exclusions and exemptions for defense-related purposes from the Endangered Species Act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R.65 would likely reduce the regulatory burden on military activities concerning endangered species. This could lead to expedited military training and weapons testing. However, it may also result in increased harm to endangered species and their habitats on military lands.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined military training and testing operations due to reduced environmental regulations.
- Increased flexibility for the Department of Defense in managing military lands.
- Reduced potential for conflicts between military readiness and endangered species protection.
- Potential cost savings for the Department of Defense by avoiding costly environmental compliance measures.
- Enhanced national security through improved military readiness.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased risk of harm to endangered species and their habitats on military lands.
- Potential loss of biodiversity due to reduced environmental protections.
- Possible legal challenges from environmental groups.
- Damage to the reputation of the United States as a leader in environmental conservation.
- Reduced transparency and public input in decisions affecting endangered species on military lands.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Article I, Section 8 provides Congress with the power to provide for the common defense. The bill could be seen as an exercise of this power. However, the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause and the Ninth and Tenth Amendments, which reserve rights to the people and the states, could be invoked by those concerned about environmental impacts and federal overreach.
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).