Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

Kansas Senate Bill SCR1602

Introduced

1/23/23

Passed

1/23/23

Engrossed

1/24/23

Refer

1/24/23

Enrolled

2/9/23

Passed

2/9/23

Caption

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

Impact

If adopted, SCR1602 seeks to prevent the application of the endangered species designation and affirms the rights of local farmers and energy producers to continue their current practices without federal interference. This could have substantial effects on local industries, particularly agriculture and energy, which may face economic challenges if forced to comply with extensive regulations associated with the threatened species status. The resolution also expresses support for two congressional resolutions aimed at removing the designation, reinforcing Kansas's stance on managing its natural resources.

Summary

SCR1602 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution aimed at disapproving the designation of the lesser prairie chicken as a threatened species by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The bill reflects the sentiment of state lawmakers who believe that this federal designation imposes unnecessary restrictions on Kansas farmers, ranchers, and energy producers, who argue that they should maintain control over their land management practices. The resolution supports efforts to repeal this designation, emphasizing the importance of local autonomy in managing agricultural and energy resources.

Sentiment

The overall sentiment around SCR1602 is predominantly positive among its supporters, who view it as an important step for local control and economic freedom in the state. The lawmakers argue that the federal government's actions could hinder the state's agricultural and energy sectors. However, there may be factions that express concern over the implications for wildlife conservation, highlighting a potential divide in opinion regarding environmental protection versus economic interests.

Contention

The notable points of contention surrounding SCR1602 include concerns from conservationists and environmentalists about the implications of disapproving the threatened species designation. They argue that protecting species like the lesser prairie chicken is essential for maintaining biodiversity and ecological health. In contrast, supporters of the bill focus on the immediate economic impacts and the necessity of allowing local stakeholders to retain authority over land use decisions, creating a fundamental debate between conservation efforts and economic priorities in Kansas.

Latest KS SCR1602 Activity

View All Events: KS 2023-2024 Regular Session SCR1602

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB248

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.

KS 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.

KS 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.

KS HJR78

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 San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt".

KS SB1306

A bill to require the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to reissue a final rule removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

KS HB840

To provide that the final rule of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service titled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status With Critical Habitat for Guadalupe Fatmucket, Texas Fatmucket, Guadalupe Orb, Texas Pimpleback, Balcones Spike, and False Spike, and Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat for Texas Fawnsfoot" shall have no force or effect.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.