A House panel this week kicks off what could become a tumultuous year for two of the nation’s key species-protecting laws.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act will share the spotlight — and perhaps the hot seat — at the Wednesday morning hearing that’s being described as an assessment of the “implementation” of the environmental laws.
The Republican members of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries have already made clear what they think of the ESA, in particular. They are not big fans. With Republicans controlling the White House, Senate and, by a razor-thin margin, the House, this widespread GOP skepticism is likely to empower legislative action.
“The Endangered Species Act has had profound impacts on my state of Wyoming,” Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) said in 2023. “Unfortunately, that includes limiting economic development and restricting the implementation of reasonable and effective land, water and resource management and use.”
