Bill · S. 5514· Senate(119-S-5514)
Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 9/24/2026
- Last activity
- 9/24/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- Sponsored by
- Ted Cruz
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill, known as the Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026, requires the Secretary of the Interior to create regional management frameworks for managing double-crested cormorants. It mandates that these frameworks be developed in coordination with Regional Flyway Councils within one year of enactment. The bill outlines specific requirements for these frameworks, including allowable methods of take, required annual reporting, and consideration of cormorant effects on fisheries, vegetation, and other species. Additionally, the Secretary must carry out population surveys every five years, submit a feasibility report on issuing hunting licenses within 90 days, and update the frameworks periodically. Finally, the entire Act will cease to have force or effect on January 1, 2034.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+4
The bill mandates annual public reporting of total take, including target and non-target birds.
Does this leave more decisions to the states?+3
The bill coordinates management frameworks with Regional Flyway Councils and allows states and tribes to take specific management actions.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?+3
The bill establishes regional management frameworks that consider effects on fisheries, vegetation, and other species to ensure sustainable management.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Public Reporting of Take: Under Section 2(c)(2)(C), the frameworks must require annual reporting of total take, including target and non-target birds, which must be made publicly available. This keeps officials accountable and ensures transparency for citizens monitoring wildlife management.
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Consideration of Human Health and Safety: Section 2(c)(5)(D) requires the Secretary to consider the documented effects of double-crested cormorants on human health and safety. This provision helps address real-world risks that birds may pose to communities.
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Involvement of Local Managers: Section 2(c)(3)(B) allows trained entities, including private lake and pond managers, to conduct authorized takes. This directly engages local individuals who deal with private water management issues on the ground.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Burdens of Annual Reporting: Section 2(c)(2)(C) requires mandatory annual reporting of total take for target and non-target birds. Individuals or entities authorized to manage cormorants may find the required reporting procedures burdensome or time-consuming to comply with.
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Implementation of Non-Lethal Measures: Section 2(c)(2)(F) requires the inclusion of non-lethal measures that must be implemented. Authorized managers may face added costs or operational hurdles to carry out these mandated non-lethal practices alongside removal efforts.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4Increase States Rights+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+3Improves Rural Development+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Farmers+3
- 9/24/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama