Pet and Livestock Protection Act
Summary
The Pet and Livestock Protection Act (H.R. 845) mandates the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a final rule removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The rule to be reissued is the one published on November 3, 2020. The Act also stipulates that the reissuance of this rule will not be subject to judicial review.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this Act is the delisting of the gray wolf, potentially impacting its conservation status and management. This could lead to changes in how the species is protected and managed across different states. The elimination of judicial review limits legal challenges to the delisting decision.
Potential Benefits
- Could reduce regulatory burdens on landowners and businesses in areas where gray wolves are present.
- May allow for more flexible management of gray wolf populations, potentially reducing conflicts with livestock.
- Could lead to increased hunting and trapping opportunities in certain areas.
- Could free up resources for the conservation of other endangered species.
- May provide economic benefits to local communities through increased hunting and tourism.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could negatively impact the long-term survival and recovery of gray wolf populations.
- May lead to increased conflicts between humans and wolves, particularly in areas where livestock grazing is prevalent.
- Could undermine the integrity of the Endangered Species Act.
- May face opposition from environmental groups and conservationists.
- Could set a precedent for delisting other endangered species based on political considerations rather than scientific evidence.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act's constitutionality is primarily rooted in Congress's power to enact laws and manage federal lands and wildlife, as implied by Article I, Section 8 (the Commerce Clause and the Property Clause). However, the provision barring judicial review raises concerns about due process and the separation of powers, potentially conflicting with the principles of judicial oversight.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).