Michael Baumgartner (R-WA)
Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026," aims to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. It allows for the intentional lethal taking of certain pinnipeds, such as sea lions, to protect endangered and threatened salmon and other fish species. The legislation targets the Columbia River, its tributaries, and specific waters in the State of Washington. It also establishes a program to develop new technology to keep pinnipeds out of salmon habitats. Additionally, the bill requires regular reports and a long-term study on the effectiveness of these actions on fish recovery.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill aims to protect endangered salmon and steelhead species through predator management.
- Scored +5
Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests?
The bill establishes active management of pinniped populations to protect aquatic habitats.
- Scored +5
Would Native Americans be better off under this?
The bill involves consultation with covered Indian Tribes and protects treaty-reserved fishing rights.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Fish Species: The bill allows for the removal of pinnipeds to protect salmon, steelhead, and other fish species that are listed as endangered or threatened (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Technological Innovation: The creation of the "Columbia River Pinniped Exclusion Technology Accelerator" is intended to stimulate the development of new technology to prevent pinnipeds from entering salmon habitats (Section 2(a)(1)(H)).
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Navigation Safety: The proposed exclusion technology is required to be developed in a way that does not impede commercial, recreational, or Tribal navigation (Section 2(a)(1)(H)(ii)).
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Salmon Recovery Support: By allowing for the management of pinniped predation, the bill seeks to aid the recovery of salmonid and other fish species (Section 2(a)(1)(E)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Lethal Take of Wildlife: The bill authorizes the intentional lethal taking of certain pinnipeds, including harbor seals, California sea lions, and Steller sea lions (Section 2(a)(k)(8)).
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Requirement for Humane Methods: Those carrying out the lethal take must ensure the methods used are humane (Section 2(a)(k)(3)).
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 aims to protect endangered salmon and steelhead species through predator management. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — The bill establishes active management of pinniped populations to protect aquatic habitats.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would Native Americans be better off under this? — The bill involves consultation with covered Indian Tribes and protects treaty-reserved fishing rights.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual reports to Congress regarding pinniped and fish populations. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants the Secretary of Commerce authority to issue lethal take permits.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds a technology accelerator to stimulate innovation in salmon protection.
- 9/15/2026
- Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by Voice Vote.
- 7/21/2026
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 7/14/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
- 7/9/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Emily RandallDemocrat · Washington