Supporting the designation of May 17, 2024, as "Endangered Species Day".
Impact
The resolution acknowledges the dire state of biodiversity, identifying ongoing threats such as climate change and habitat destruction. It emphasizes that more than 2,300 species are currently at risk of extinction, which is compounded by vast changes in land use. Moreover, the resolution underscores the need for bold policies to conserve at least 30% of the nation’s lands and waters by the year 2030. By supporting this resolution, lawmakers are committing to the continued importance of conservation efforts that safeguard ecological heritage and the intrinsic values of wildlife.
Summary
House Resolution 1238 supports the official designation of May 17, 2024, as 'Endangered Species Day.' This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of conserving endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The resolution highlights the critical role that both government and local communities play in supporting the recovery of at-risk species, recognizing a success rate in preventing extinction for over 99% of species deemed threatened or endangered.
Contention
While the resolution is generally seen as positive for biodiversity advocacy, discussions may arise regarding the implementation of policies that effectively address the challenges facing endangered species. Some critics might argue that there needs to be a stronger commitment from various stakeholders to enforce conservation efforts on local, state, and national levels. Additionally, the significance of indigenous knowledge and the vital role of tribal communities in conservation practices raise the question of how to integrate these perspectives into larger environmental policies.
Less Imprecision in Species Treatment Act of 2025 or the LIST Act of 2025This bill modifies the process for removing a species from the endangered or threatened species lists and makes related requirements. A species must be removed from the endangered or threatened species lists if the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service 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.
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 the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard".