Grizzly delisting, endangered species concerns raised; nominee pledges review and collaboration with states

Senators asked nominee Doug Burgum about the listing and delisting of large carnivores and wider use of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in permitting conflicts.

Nut graf: Republican senators representing Western states urged the nominee to support state management where populations have recovered, citing recent Fish and Wildlife Service denials to delist certain grizzly populations and arguing the ESA had been used to halt development. Burgum pledged to work with states and to celebrate species recovery when appropriate.

Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) said the Fish and Wildlife Service’s recent denial to delist Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide grizzly populations “punishes Montana's successful grizzly bear recovery efforts” and asked Burgum to acknowledge the recovery. Burgum said he was aware of the data, agreed that “we should be celebrating when species come off the endangered species list,” and pledged to work with senators and state wildlife agencies on delisting questions.

Other senators raised a broader concern that endangered-species listings or similar administrative actions can be used as tools to stop projects unrelated to conservation, calling for reviews of prior listings where the scientific basis is in question. Burgum agreed with oversight and stated he would follow the law and the Constitution in any departmental actions.

Ending: Burgum pledged to coordinate with states and Fish and Wildlife Service staff on recovery and delisting decisions and to support state management where recovery and science justify it.