H.R.845 - Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.845, the Pet and Livestock Protection Act of 2025, directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a final rule removing 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 and stipulates that this reissuance is not subject to judicial review. This legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 31, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be the delisting of the gray wolf from the endangered and threatened species list. This would remove federal protections for the gray wolf, potentially impacting its population and habitat management. The preclusion of judicial review would prevent legal challenges to the delisting decision.
Potential Benefits
- Potential reduction in regulatory burdens for landowners and livestock owners in areas where gray wolves are present.
- Increased flexibility for state and local authorities in managing gray wolf populations.
- Possible decrease in livestock depredation due to fewer restrictions on wolf management.
- May lead to more efficient use of resources by the Department of Interior, as fewer resources would be needed for gray wolf protection.
- Could foster greater cooperation between federal, state, and local entities in wildlife management.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential decline in gray wolf populations due to reduced federal protections.
- Increased risk of habitat loss and fragmentation for gray wolves.
- Possible negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem health.
- Concerns from environmental groups and wildlife advocates regarding the long-term survival of the gray wolf.
- The removal of judicial review may limit accountability and transparency in the delisting process.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the enumerated powers of Congress, particularly the power to regulate interstate commerce (Article I, Section 8), as the Endangered Species Act has been justified under this clause. However, the provision barring judicial review raises questions regarding the separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in reviewing executive agency actions. While Congress has broad authority to legislate, the extent to which it can limit judicial review is a complex constitutional question.
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).