The House on Wednesday abruptly shelved legislation that would overhaul the Endangered Species Act, in an apparent response to Republican opposition to the bill.
Speaker Mike Johnson yanked the ESA Amendments Act, H.R. 1897, from consideration without explanation. But opposition from six Florida Republicans and other GOP members triggered the delay, said people familiar with the discussions granted anonymity to speak candidly.
The legislation has long been a Republican priority to prevent species protections from blocking development of energy and other projects.
Leaders were considering bringing up the bill last week but delayed action. Natural Resources Chair Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), the bill’s main sponsor, told POLITICO’s E&E News back then that his legislation had been delayed by more pressing measures but brushed off a question about opposition from fellow Republicans.
