Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 29, 2025
Bottom line
This bill aims to permanently delist the GYE grizzly bear population by legislatively mandating the reissuance of a prior delisting rule and eliminating judicial oversight.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a specific 2017 final rule that removed the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) population of grizzly bears from the Federal list of endangered and threatened wildlife. Crucially, the bill explicitly states that this reissuance shall not be subject to judicial review, effectively bypassing potential legal challenges that have previously blocked similar delisting efforts.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the GYE grizzly bear population has recovered sufficiently to no longer warrant Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection, demonstrating successful conservation efforts. They contend that state wildlife agencies are best equipped to manage the recovered population, allowing for more localized and responsive management strategies, including potential hunting, which can help mitigate human-bear conflicts. They also emphasize the importance of respecting state sovereignty in wildlife management and preventing endless litigation.
Opponents contend
Opponents argue that delisting the GYE grizzly bear population is premature, citing concerns about genetic diversity, long-term viability, and potential threats from climate change and habitat fragmentation. They contend that state management plans may not provide adequate protections, particularly if hunting is allowed, and that removing judicial review undermines environmental safeguards and public oversight, setting a dangerous precedent.
The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for public review.
Section 2(a)
Mandate to Reissue Grizzly Bear Delisting Rule
This provision directs the Secretary of the Interior to re-publish the final rule from June 30, 2017, which removed the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem grizzly bear population from the federal list of endangered and threatened species. This action must occur within 180 days of the bill's enactment and is specifically exempted from other laws that would normally apply to such a rule issuance, streamlining the delisting process.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that the GYE grizzly bear population has met all recovery criteria, making federal protection unnecessary. They contend that reissuing the rule allows states to manage the species effectively, reflecting local conditions and expertise, and that continued federal oversight is an overreach.
Critics contend
Opponents argue that the GYE grizzly bear population remains vulnerable due to habitat fragmentation, climate change impacts on food sources, and genetic isolation. They contend that delisting is premature and that state management may not prioritize long-term conservation, potentially leading to population declines.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances federal oversight under the ESA with state sovereignty in wildlife management. It also weighs the perceived success of recovery efforts against concerns about the long-term viability and genetic health of the population without federal protections.
Section 2(b)
Prohibition of Judicial Review
This provision explicitly states that the reissuance of the final rule, as directed by subsection (a), cannot be challenged in court. This means that environmental groups or other parties would be unable to sue to block the delisting of the GYE grizzly bears, ensuring the finality of the administrative action.