Adam Gray (D-CA)
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.
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- 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
- Scored +2
Is this likely to grow the economy?
The bill provides exemptions to mitigate significant adverse national or regional economic impacts.
- Scored +2
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill provides easier paths to proceed with projects despite endangered species protections.
- Scored +1
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill provides economic relief exemptions that could benefit agricultural operations.
The opposite· 3 of 5
- Scored -4
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill expands exemptions that could undermine existing environmental protections for endangered species.
- Scored -3
Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change?
The bill makes it easier to bypass environmental protections under the Endangered Species Act.
- Scored -3
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
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
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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)).
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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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill expands exemptions that could undermine existing environmental protections for endangered species. Does this cut the pollution that drives climate change? — The bill makes it easier to bypass environmental protections under the Endangered Species Act. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The bill allows national security and economic concerns to override species protection mandates on public lands.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — The bill provides exemptions to mitigate significant adverse national or regional economic impacts.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill provides easier paths to proceed with projects despite endangered species protections. Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill provides economic relief exemptions that could benefit agricultural operations. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The economic impact exemptions may favor regional development in rural areas. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Reducing species protections may negatively impact lands and resources significant to Native American communities.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this leave more decisions to the states? — The bill allows State Governors to apply for exemptions under the Endangered Species Act. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill expands federal agency authority to grant exemptions based on national security and economic criteria.
- 6/9/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jim CostaDemocrat · California