Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB248

Introduced
1/10/23  
Refer
1/10/23  

Caption

Promoting Local Management of the Lesser Prairie Chicken Act This bill prohibits any population of the lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, or New Mexico from being listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). The lesser prairie-chicken is a type of grouse. Currently, two distinct population segments (DPS) of the lesser prairie-chicken are listed under the ESA. The Southern DPS of the lesser prairie-chicken is listed as endangered and the Northern DPS is listed as threatened. The bill removes both populations from the list. In addition, the bill bans Interior from listing any population of the lesser prairie-chicken as endangered or threatened in the future.

Impact

The proposed changes in HB 248 would have significant implications for wildlife management in the affected states. By delisting the lesser prairie chicken from federal protection, local governments and stakeholders may gain more autonomy over land use and resource management without the limitations imposed by the Endangered Species Act. Proponents argue that such a shift would promote greater local management practices tailored to specific conditions in each state. However, there are concerns that this could lead to reduced conservation efforts, potentially putting the long-term survival of the species at risk.

Summary

House Bill 248, titled the 'Promoting Local Management of the Lesser Prairie Chicken Act', seeks to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 by specifically excluding certain populations of the lesser prairie chicken from being designated as endangered or threatened. The legislation targets populations located in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and New Mexico, which are currently recognized under the Endangered Species Act. By prohibiting any future listings of these populations as endangered or threatened, the bill aims to relieve local stakeholders from regulatory burdens associated with conservation efforts mandated by the federal law.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 248 have highlighted tensions between local control and federal oversight in wildlife conservation. Supporters of the bill, primarily from agricultural and development backgrounds, argue that the federal designation complicates land use and economic development. Conversely, environmental advocates assert that removing protections could accelerate habitat loss and further threaten the already vulnerable populations of the lesser prairie chicken. The debate centers on balancing economic development interests with the need to preserve biodiversity and protect the ecological integrity of the region.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB587

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.

US SB171

A bill to remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened species and endangered species published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, to amend that Act to exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the authority of that Act, and for other purposes.

US HJR29

Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment".

US SCR1602

Disapproving the designation of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species in Kansas by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

US SJR9

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment".

US HB94

American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act This bill limits the protection of endangered or threatened species to species that are native to the United States. In addition, the bill prohibits certain funding for endangered or threatened species from being used to acquire lands, waters, or other interests in foreign countries.

US HR614

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4366) making appropriations for military construction, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 9) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment"; and providing for consideration of the joint resolution (S.J. Res. 24) providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat".

US HB99

Less Imprecision in Species Treatment Act of 2023 or the LIST Act of 2023 This bill revises the process for removing a species from the endangered or threatened species lists. A species must be removed from the endangered or threatened species lists if the Department of the Interior produces or receives substantial scientific or commercial information demonstrating that the species is recovered or that recovery goals set for the species have been met. The publication and notice of a proposed regulation to remove a species from the lists must consist solely of a notice of the removal. The bill establishes a process for removing species from the lists if they were erroneously or wrongfully listed. The bill prohibits a person from submitting a petition to list a species as a threatened or endangered species for 10 years if the person knowingly submitted a petition with information that was inaccurate beyond scientifically reasonable margins of error, fraudulent, or misrepresentative.

US HB102

American Sovereignty and Species Protection Act of 2025This bill limits the protection of endangered or threatened species to species that are native to the United States. In addition, the bill prohibits certain funding for endangered or threatened species from being used to acquire lands, waters, or other interests in foreign countries.

US HB2608

To remove certain species from the lists of threatened species and endangered species published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.