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. | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 3845
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3845Environmental Protection
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.
INTRO JUN 9· LAST ACTION JUN 9
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it shifts the balance between protecting endangered species and pursuing projects that are considered important for national security or economic reasons. If this bill becomes law, it could mean that more projects that impact protected species or their habitats are allowed to move forward, even when there might be other ways to do the project that are better for the environment, if those alternatives are deemed too costly for national security or the economy.
For voters, this means weighing the importance of stricter environmental protections against the perceived needs of economic growth and national defense. If it doesn't become law, the current process for exemptions, which primarily focuses on whether there are reasonable alternatives to protect species, remains in place, keeping a potentially higher bar for projects to proceed if they threaten endangered wildlife.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Allows an exemption application if complying with endangered species protection would impair national security.
This creates a new pathway for projects to proceed based on national security concerns, potentially overriding species protection.
PROVISION 02
Allows an exemption application if complying with endangered species protection would result in significant adverse national or regional economic impacts.
This establishes a new economic justification for exemptions, which could lead to more projects impacting endangered species.
PROVISION 03
Requires consultation with the National Security Council and the Director of the National Economic Council for these new exemption types.
This ensures that high-level national security and economic advisors contribute to the decision-making process for these specific exemptions.
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JUN 9, 2025
House BillHR 3845Environmental Protection
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.
This bill matters because it shifts the balance between protecting endangered species and pursuing projects that are considered important for national security or economic reasons. If this bill becomes law, it could mean that more projects that impact protected species or their habitats are allowed to move forward, even when there might be other ways to do the project that are better for the environment, if those alternatives are deemed too costly for national security or the economy.
For voters, this means weighing the importance of stricter environmental protections against the perceived needs of economic growth and national defense. If it doesn't become law, the current process for exemptions, which primarily focuses on whether there are reasonable alternatives to protect species, remains in place, keeping a potentially higher bar for projects to proceed if they threaten endangered wildlife.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Allows an exemption application if complying with endangered species protection would impair national security.
This creates a new pathway for projects to proceed based on national security concerns, potentially overriding species protection.
high
Allows an exemption application if complying with endangered species protection would result in significant adverse national or regional economic impacts.
This establishes a new economic justification for exemptions, which could lead to more projects impacting endangered species.
med
Requires consultation with the National Security Council and the Director of the National Economic Council for these new exemption types.
This ensures that high-level national security and economic advisors contribute to the decision-making process for these specific exemptions.
GLOSSARY
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Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA)
A federal law that protects animal and plant species that are in danger of extinction, as well as the habitats they depend on.
Section 7 of the ESA
A part of the Endangered Species Act that requires federal agencies to ensure their actions do not jeopardize listed species or destroy their critical habitats.
Exemption process
A procedure that allows certain projects or actions to proceed even if they might harm endangered species or their habitats, under specific circumstances and after review by a committee.
Agency action
Any activity that is carried out, funded, or approved by a federal agency, such as building a highway, granting a permit, or managing land.
Consultation
A formal discussion and review process between a federal agency and relevant wildlife agencies to determine if a proposed action will affect endangered species.
Reasonable and prudent alternatives
Modifications or changes to a proposed project that would allow it to proceed without harming endangered species or their critical habitats.
Secretary
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JUN 9, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 9, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Refers to the Secretary of the Interior or the Secretary of Commerce, depending on the species involved, who is responsible for administering the Endangered Species Act.
Committee
Refers to the Endangered Species Committee, sometimes called the 'God Squad,' which is a high-level federal committee that makes final decisions on controversial exemption requests.
