# Plain Language Summary: Endangered Species Act Amendment

This bill would change how the government protects endangered animals and plants by requiring Congress to approve certain decisions that are currently made by federal agencies. Right now, when the Fish and Wildlife Service or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration decides to list a species as endangered, remove it from the list, or make major changes to protection rules, they can do so on their own authority. This bill would add a new requirement: Congress would have to vote and approve these actions before they could take effect.

The practical effect is that protecting endangered species would become a slower, more political process. Instead of scientists and wildlife experts at federal agencies making these decisions based on biological evidence, Congress would need to weigh in. This could mean that species facing extinction might wait longer for protection while lawmakers debate. On the flip side, supporters of this change argue it would give Congress more control over environmental policy and prevent what they see as overreach by federal agencies. Businesses and industries that are affected by endangered species protections might find it easier to challenge these decisions if they can make their case to Congress rather than just to agency experts.

The bill's impact would be felt by environmental groups, wildlife advocates, industries like logging and development, and ultimately by the animals and plants themselves. A species on the brink of extinction could face delays in getting legal protection, while industries that want to use land or resources where endangered species live would have another avenue to influence the outcome. This represents a significant shift in power from expert agencies to elected politicians when it comes to deciding which species deserve protection.

A bill to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require congressional approval of certain actions, and for other purposes.

Marshall, Roger

 <p>This bill requires congressional approval to list, remove from a list, or change the status of any endangered species or threatened species.</p>