S.J. Res. 24 (ENR) – 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 Northern Long-Eared Bat.
This bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2025, by Sen. John Barrasso [R-WY].
The bill would disapprove the rule submitted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) on December 19, 2023, which listed the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Background
The northern long-eared bat is a small brown bat that is found in eastern North America. The bat is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act due to its population decline caused by white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease that has killed millions of bats in North America.
The FWS listed the northern long-eared bat as endangered in 2023 after a review of the scientific evidence. The agency found that the bat’s population had declined by more than 90% in some areas and that the bat was facing a high risk of extinction.
Arguments in Favor of the Bill
Supporters of the bill argue that the FWS’s decision to list the northern long-eared bat as endangered is not supported by the scientific evidence. They argue that the bat’s population is not as low as the FWS claims and that the bat is not facing a high risk of extinction.
Supporters of the bill also argue that listing the bat as endangered will have a negative impact on the economy. They argue that the listing will make it more difficult for businesses to operate in areas where the bat is found and that it will lead to job losses.
Arguments Against the Bill
Opponents of the bill argue that the FWS’s decision to list the northern long-eared bat as endangered is based on sound science. They argue that the bat’s population has declined significantly and that the bat is facing a high risk of extinction.
Opponents of the bill also argue that listing the bat as endangered will help to protect the species. They argue that the listing will help to ensure that the bat’s habitat is protected and that the bat is not subject to further threats.
Conclusion
The bill to disapprove the FWS’s listing of the northern long-eared bat as endangered is a controversial piece of legislation. The bill has been met with opposition from environmental groups, who argue that the listing is necessary to protect the bat from extinction. However, the bill has also been supported by some businesses and landowners, who argue that the listing will have a negative impact on the economy.
It is unclear whether the bill will pass. The bill will need to be approved by both the House and the Senate before it can be sent to the President for his signature.
S.J. Res. 24 (ENR) – 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 Northern Long-Eared Bat.
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