Grizzly Bear Review and Resource Restart Act of 2023
Should HB 4997 be enacted, it would specifically amend the regulations surrounding the Endangered Species Act as it pertains to the grizzly bear. The removal of protections would signify a shift in federal conservation priorities, attempting to allocate resources more effectively towards species deemed at greater risk of extinction. This legislative change is positioned to prioritize federal actions that are more aligned with ongoing conservation efforts in light of shifting ecological needs.
House Bill 4997, known as the Grizzly Bear Review and Resource Restart Act of 2023, aims to remove the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) from the Endangered Species List in the contiguous United States. The bill outlines a directive for the Secretary of the Interior to determine if the species should cease to be classified as endangered, providing a two-year timeframe for this action. The intent is based on findings that the current protections may be unnecessary and that other species may require more immediate conservation efforts.
The bill is not without contention, as it has sparked debates among conservationists and local communities. Supporters argue that the grizzly bear populations have sufficiently recovered to no longer warrant endangered status, thus allowing for a more focused approach toward other species needing protection. Opponents, however, express concerns regarding the potential implications for wildlife management, local ecological health, and the long-term sustainability of species previously listed under the Endangered Species Act.