US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB5504

Introduced
9/14/23  
Refer
9/14/23  

Caption

To require the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to withdraw proposed rules relating to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and for other purposes.

Impact

The withdrawal of the proposed rules may significantly affect how endangered species are managed under the ESA. By preventing the implementation of updated regulations, HB5504 could hinder advancements in conservation practices that aim to adapt to changing ecological and climatic conditions. Opponents of the proposed rules argue that they are necessary to enhance collaboration between federal and state agencies, improve species recovery efforts, and ensure effective management of biodiversity. Thus, the implications of this bill could stall potential progress in wildlife conservation.

Summary

House Bill 5504 is designed to require the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to withdraw recently proposed rules related to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. Specifically, the bill mandates the withdrawal of rules that include new interagency cooperation regulations, updated species listing procedures, and critical habitat designations. By forcing the withdrawal of these proposed regulations, the bill seeks to maintain the status quo in regulations governing endangered and threatened species.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding HB5504. Proponents argue that the proposed regulations introduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, potentially complicating the administration of the ESA and delaying the recovery efforts for threatened species. Critics, on the other hand, worry that withdrawing these rules could lead to a lack of comprehensive approaches needed to adapt to current ecological challenges. Such tensions underscore the ongoing debate about balancing the needs for development versus conservation in the realm of environmental policy.

Companion Bills

US SB2811

Same As A bill to require the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to withdraw proposed rules relating to the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and for other purposes.

Previously Filed As

US 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.

US HB2406

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025

US HB4416

To establish in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration a program to improve precipitation forecasts, and for other purposes.

US LD402

An Act to Move the Natural Areas Program from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and to Amend the Law Governing Administration of the Bureau of Resource Management Within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

US LD2118

An Act to Eliminate the Natural Areas Program and Reassign Certain Responsibilities Under the Program to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and to Amend the Law Governing Administration of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, Bureau of Resource Management

US 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".

US HF3911

Former officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration authorized to reside in state veterans homes.

US H934

Creating special funds for the division of fisheries and wildlife

US SF4975

Certain former officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to reside in state veterans homes authorization

US 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.