4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Dec 18, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 reflect the bill's procedural progression from being engrossed in the House to being referred in the Senate, including an updated attestation. No substantive policy changes were made.

H.R. 845119th CongressIntroduced Jan 31, 2025

Pet and Livestock Protection Act

Passed HouseEnvironmental ProtectionMajor

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Dec 18, 2025

Bottom line

The bill aims to permanently remove the gray wolf from federal protection under the ESA by reissuing a previous delisting rule and preventing its judicial challenge.

What it actually does

This bill mandates the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a specific 2020 rule that delisted the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) within 60 days of the bill's enactment. Crucially, it also explicitly prohibits any judicial review of this reissuance, effectively shielding the delisting decision from court challenges.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that the gray wolf populations have recovered sufficiently to no longer warrant federal protection under the ESA, demonstrating the Act's success. They contend that local and state wildlife management agencies are better equipped to manage wolf populations, which have expanded to the point of impacting livestock and pet owners. They also emphasize the need for regulatory certainty and finality in species management decisions, which judicial challenges often undermine.

Opponents contend

Opponents argue that removing federal protections for gray wolves is premature and could jeopardize their long-term recovery, especially in regions where populations are still vulnerable. They contend that the 2020 delisting rule was scientifically flawed and that bypassing judicial review undermines environmental law and public accountability. Critics also highlight potential negative impacts on ecosystem health and biodiversity if wolf populations are not adequately managed at the federal level.

The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a quick read and understanding of its core provisions.

Section 2

Mandatory Reissuance of Gray Wolf Delisting Rule

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section requires the Secretary of the Interior to re-publish, within 60 days, the final rule from November 3, 2020, which removed the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife. This action effectively reinstates the federal delisting of the gray wolf across the contiguous United States.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupGray wolf populationsImpactRemoval of federal protections under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority shifts to state and tribal agencies.MechanismReissuance of a specific federal rule.ScaleNational (contiguous U.S.)

GroupState and Tribal wildlife management agenciesImpactIncreased authority and responsibility for managing gray wolf populations within their jurisdictions.MechanismTransfer of management from federal to state/tribal.ScaleRegional/Local

GroupLivestock producers and pet owners in wolf-occupied areasImpactPotential for increased flexibility in managing conflicts with wolves, including lethal control where permitted by state law.MechanismState-level management allows for different approaches to conflict resolution.ScaleLocal

GroupEnvironmental conservation groupsImpactLoss of federal protections for gray wolves, potentially hindering recovery efforts in some areas.MechanismDelisting removes ESA safeguards.ScaleNational

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision is necessary because gray wolf populations have recovered beyond ESA listing criteria, demonstrating the success of conservation efforts. They believe state and tribal agencies are best positioned to manage local populations, addressing concerns from agricultural communities regarding livestock depredation and ensuring sustainable wildlife management.

Critics contend

Opponents contend that the 2020 delisting rule was based on insufficient scientific data regarding the long-term viability of wolf populations in all regions. They argue that prematurely removing federal protections could lead to a rollback of recovery gains and that a national, consistent approach is still needed to ensure genetic diversity and connectivity.

Tradeoffs

The provision balances the desire for local control over wildlife management with concerns about consistent national conservation standards for a species that has faced historical persecution and is still recovering in some areas. It also highlights the tension between economic interests (livestock protection) and ecological conservation goals.

Section 3

Prohibition on Judicial Review

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section explicitly states that the reissuance of the gray wolf delisting rule, as mandated in Section 2, cannot be challenged in court. This provision aims to prevent environmental groups or other parties from filing lawsuits to overturn the delisting decision, thereby ensuring its finality.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Dec 18, 2025)

H.R. 845119th CongressIntroduced Jan 31, 2025

Pet and Livestock Protection Act

Passed HouseEnvironmental ProtectionMajor

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Dec 18, 2025

Bottom line

The bill aims to permanently remove the gray wolf from federal protection under the ESA by reissuing a previous delisting rule and preventing its judicial challenge.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill text is extremely short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for a quick read and understanding of its core provisions.

Section 2

Mandatory Reissuance of Gray Wolf Delisting Rule

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupEnvironmental conservation groupsImpactLoss of federal protections for gray wolves, potentially hindering recovery efforts in some areas.MechanismDelisting removes ESA safeguards.ScaleNational

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

Section 3

Prohibition on Judicial Review

prominently featuredstraightforward