Congress debates Endangered Species Act amendments amid biodiversity crisis concerns

The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources convened a critical hearing on March 26, 2025, focusing on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and proposed amendments that could reshape conservation efforts across the nation. Central to the discussion was HR 1897, a bill aimed at reauthorizing and amending the ESA for the first time in nearly 40 years.

Chairwoman Hageman opened the hearing by emphasizing the urgency of protecting endangered species, highlighting the detrimental impact of previous administrations on recovery efforts. She pointed out that cuts to key staff at NOAA have hindered the efficiency of ESA permitting and the recovery of vital species like orcas and salmon. "We are in a biodiversity crisis and need these core conservation laws to work," she stated, underscoring the bill's intent to enhance species recovery.

In contrast, Chairman Westerman defended the proposed amendments, arguing that the ESA is "broken" and needs reform to better serve both wildlife and the communities affected by its regulations. He noted that the current recovery rate for listed species is a mere 3%, which he deemed unacceptable. Westerman's proposed changes include pairing recovery goals with regulatory relief and streamlining the permitting process to eliminate redundancies.

Ranking Member Huffman countered these claims, asserting that the ESA is not broken but rather inconvenient for certain industries. He criticized the proposed amendments as weakening the act and accused the opposition of pursuing an "extinction agenda." Huffman pointed out that the ESA has a 99% success rate in preventing extinction, arguing that the real issue lies in inadequate funding for wildlife agencies.

The hearing also touched on other legislative proposals, including HR 1945, which seeks to delist the gray wolf nationwide, and HR 1917, aimed at enhancing fisheries management in the Great Lakes through science-based monitoring. However, some members expressed frustration over less pressing issues, such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, questioning the priorities of Congress amidst pressing social and economic challenges.

As discussions continue, the future of the ESA hangs in the balance, with advocates on both sides pushing for their vision of conservation in a rapidly changing environment. The committee's decisions in the coming weeks could have lasting implications for wildlife protection and biodiversity in the United States.