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House adopts resolution urging Congress to weigh human economic impacts in Endangered Species listings
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 8, urging Congress to consider economic consequences when listing species under the federal Endangered Species Act, passed after a polarized floor debate (39–33). Supporters cited local economic harm from listings; opponents warned the resolution overcorrected and threatened biodiversity protections.
Representative Allen introduced House Concurrent Resolution 8 urging Congress to consider the "Human Protection Act," an amendment to the federal Endangered Species Act that would explicitly permit economic consequences to be weighed in listing decisions. The resolution prompted a lengthy and polarized floor debate.
Supporters, including representatives from fast‑growing counties, said listings (for example, the desert tortoise) had delayed development and could impose large local costs. Representative Slack cited Washington County estimates of $20–40 million in mitigation and land‑acquisition costs to accommodate a listed species. Opponents, including conservation proponents, argued the resolution’s language — which the sponsor read from the federal draft — went too far by asserting that "the needs of human beings deserve greater consideration than the needs of plants and animals."
After a motion to circle (withdraw) the resolution failed and a call of the House, the measure passed on a recorded vote of 39 affirmative to 33 negative and was transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
