# Plain Language Summary: Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act

This bill would give the military broad exemptions from endangered species protection laws. Specifically, it prevents the government from designating military bases and other defense-related lands as critical habitats for endangered animals and plants. It also allows the military to harm or kill endangered species during training exercises, weapons testing, and other defense operations without violating federal environmental laws. The exemptions would apply not just on military bases, but on any land the Department of Defense uses or controls, including areas used by military contractors.

The bill also eliminates the requirement for the military to consult with the Interior Department before taking actions that might harm endangered species. This means the military could proceed with activities that damage habitats or kill protected animals without getting environmental approval or having to consider alternatives. The definition of "national defense-related operation" is very broad and includes military training, weapons testing, and essentially anything the Secretary of Defense decides is necessary for the military's mission.

In practical terms, this could mean that endangered species living on or near military installations would lose legal protection. For example, if a military base is home to an endangered bird species, the military wouldn't have to protect its habitat or limit activities that might harm it. Similarly, if weapons testing or training exercises kill protected animals, there would be no legal consequences. The bill essentially creates a blanket exemption for military activities from the Endangered Species Act, one of the country's primary environmental protection laws.

Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act

Biggs, Andy

Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act This bill establishes exemptions from the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) for defense-related purposes. Specifically, the bill establishes exemptions from the ESA for (1) operations related to national defense, and (2) military personnel engaged in such operations. For example, the bill allows such personnel to take (e.g., harm or kill) endangered or threatened species. In addition, the bill expands restrictions on the Department of the Interior designating defense-related areas as critical habitat. It also exempts the Department of Defense from certain requirements to consult with Interior about critical habitats.