Bill · H.R. 3845· House(119-HR-3845)
To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to expand the exemption process under section 7 of that Act with respect to national security and significant adverse national or regional economic impacts.
- Introduced
- 6/9/2025
- Last activity
- 6/9/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Sponsored by
- Adam Gray
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes amendments to the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It seeks to expand the existing exemption process found under section 7 of the Act. Specifically, the bill allows for exemptions if certain modifications or alternatives would impair national security. It also allows for exemptions if those alternatives would result in significant adverse national or regional economic impacts. The expansion involves new consultation requirements with the National Security Council and the Director of the National Economic Council.
Yes· 3 of 5
Is this likely to grow the economy?+2
The bill provides exemptions to mitigate significant adverse national or regional economic impacts.
Would business owners be better off under this?+2
The bill provides easier paths to proceed with projects despite endangered species protections.
Would farmers be better off under this?+1
The bill provides economic relief exemptions that could benefit agricultural operations.
The opposite· 3 of 5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-4
The bill expands exemptions that could undermine existing environmental protections for endangered species.
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?-3
The bill makes it easier to bypass environmental protections under the Endangered Species Act.
Would Native Americans be better off under this?-3
Reducing species protections may negatively impact lands and resources significant to Native American communities.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
National Security Protection: The bill allows for exemptions if a required modification or reasonable and prudent alternative to an agency action may impair national security (Section 1, subsection (g)(1)(A)(ii)(I)).
-
Economic Stability: An exemption may be granted if a required modification or alternative could result in significant adverse national or regional economic impacts (Section 1, subsection (g)(1)(A)(ii)(II)).
-
Expanded Application Access: The exemption process can be initiated by a Federal agency, a Governor of a State where the action occurs, or a permit or license applicant (Section 1, subsection (g)(1)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Potential Impact to National Security or Economy: The bill establishes a process where agency actions that might otherwise violate the Act can proceed if they are deemed necessary to prevent impairing national security or causing significant adverse national or regional economic impacts (Section 1, subsection (g)(1)(A)(ii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections-4Reduces Carbon Emissions-3Improves Public Land Management-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+2Good For Farmers+1Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Native Americans-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increase States Rights+1Increases Federal Power-1
- 6/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jim CostaDemocrat · California