Congress examines reforms to endangered species management
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Zeke Lee
Andrew Nober
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Key Takeaways
On Mar. 18, the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Work held a hearing examining how to improve implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The hearing follows several legislative proposals to reform endangered species management that recently advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives.
At the hearing, senators expressed an interest in solutions that would improve the species recovery process. They pointed out that, although the ESA protections are highly effective at preventing species’ extinction, species rarely experience successful recovery and delisting. As key partners in wildlife stewardship with the federal government, counties support the goals of the ESA and support reforms that outline clear recovery targets and delisting criteria for endangered and threatened species.
Reform efforts in the U.S. House
The Senate hearing comes amid ongoing efforts to reform the ESA and advance species-specific management legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. On Dec. 18, the House passed the Pet and Livestock Protection Act (H.R. 845). Led by Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), the measure would delist the grey wolf from the endangered species list.
On Dec. 17, the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources advanced the ESA Amendments Act of 2025 (H.R. 1897), which would reform the ESA to expedite the delisting process and expand what data can be used in management decisions, among other proposed changes.
Impact on Counties
As environmental co-stewards with the federal government, counties work to further endangered species recovery goals and manage the impacts of habitat and take protections on communities. Given the significant impact a species’ designation can have on local communities, counties support clear, targeted recovery goals for endangered and threatened species that encourage successful recovery.
As part of the National Endangered Species Act Reform Coalition (NESARC), NACo continues to monitor ESA reform efforts.
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