Congressional Review of Lesser Prairie-Chicken Rule: A Closer Look
The U.S. government’s official legislative information website, GovInfo, recently published details regarding a significant congressional review of a rule issued by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The document, identified as S.J. Res. 9 (ENR), pertains to the endangered and threatened status of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken. This resolution, published on January 15, 2025, initiates a process under Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States Code, which governs the Congressional Review Act (CRA).
The CRA allows Congress to review and potentially overturn regulations issued by federal agencies. In this instance, the focus is on the USFWS’s determination regarding the Lesser Prairie-Chicken, specifically concerning its “Northern Distinct Population Segment” and “Southern Distinct Population Segment.” The rule in question designates the Northern segment as “Threatened” with a Section 4(d) rule, and the Southern segment as “Endangered.”
The designation of species as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a critical process aimed at protecting and recovering species facing a significant risk of extinction. These designations often involve significant implications for land use, conservation efforts, and economic activities in the areas inhabited by the species.
The introduction of S.J. Res. 9 (ENR) signals that members of Congress intend to examine the scientific basis and the potential impacts of the USFWS’s rule. The Congressional Review Act provides a specific timeline for such reviews. If passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and subsequently signed by the President, a resolution of disapproval would nullify the agency’s rule. Alternatively, if the President vetoes the resolution, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.
The Lesser Prairie-Chicken, a ground-dwelling bird native to the mixed-grass prairies of the south-central United States, has faced significant population declines due to habitat loss and fragmentation, primarily driven by agricultural development and energy extraction. The USFWS’s regulatory actions are informed by extensive scientific data and public comment periods, aiming to balance conservation needs with the interests of various stakeholders.
This congressional review process will undoubtedly involve thorough deliberation, with proponents likely highlighting the need for robust conservation measures to ensure the species’ survival, while opponents may raise concerns about the economic ramifications of the USFWS’s designations. As this process unfolds, stakeholders will be keenly observing the proceedings and the eventual outcome, which could have a lasting impact on the conservation of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and the management of its habitat across its range. Further details regarding the specific arguments and discussions surrounding S.J. Res. 9 (ENR) are expected to emerge as the review progresses.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
www.govinfo.gov published ‘S.J. Res. 9 (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; Lesser Prairie-Chicken; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Northern Distinct Population Segment and Endangered Status for the Southern Distinct Population Segment.’ at 2025-01-15 19:25. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.