

More: What ranchers in eastern New Mexico are doing to save an iconic but struggling bird The office reported the species’ habitat had declined by 90 percent from historical numbers and that broad, regulatory action was necessary. 9 undermines the Endangered Species Act (ESA).” “By overturning a science-based rulemaking that follows the requirements of the law, S.J. 9, a joint resolution to disapprove of a final rule that protects the lesser prairie-chicken from extinction,” read the White House statement. “The Administration strongly opposes passage of S.J. In statement from the Executive Office of Management and Budget, officials argued reversing the listing would deny a “science-based” rulemaking to prevent the chicken’s extinction. More: Heinrich seeks billions in wildlife recovery funds as prairie chicken listed in New Mexico

The White House indicated Biden would veto the CRA measure. I am proud to have led this resolution of disapproval in the Senate and thankful for my colleagues who joined me in this fight to stand up for our farmers and ranchers,” Marshall said in a statement. “The ESA is just another weaponized tool (President Joe) Biden is using to attack rural America. Marshall, in a statement following the vote, said the listing “weaponized” the Endangered Species Act against developers in his state and throughout the U.S. More: More New Mexico land must be saved from oil and gas to prevent climate crisis, study says "After waiting three decades for protection, this beautiful dancing bird deserves a fighting chance at survival.”

“The senators who voted to use the Congressional Review Act to nullify protections for the lesser prairie chicken voted to condemn this bird to extinction,” said Stephanie Kurose at the Center for Biological Diversity. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and a group of GOP senators, passing the chamber Wednesday on a close 50-48 vote.Įnvironmental groups were critical of the Senate’s actions, arguing protecting the bird in New Mexico would defend the grasslands and prairies it needs to survive. More: River snakes in New Mexico see habitat cuts, drawing lawsuit against federal government That was the motivation behind the bill that would rescind the listing, nationwide, under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). Rural governments like Eddy County and industries they support opposed the listing by contending the federal restrictions would do little to restore the bird and only serve to impact local economics. More: Vasquez looks to pay ranchers for cows killed by lobosīut landowners and users from industries like oil and gas or agriculture argued against the listing, fearing it could stymie development and pose economic hardship for the region. The listings restricted development in areas known as chicken habitat, needed for its regrowth. It once numbered in the millions throughout the region, but today estimates show no more than 1,500 birds in the southern region and about 20,000 in the northern DPS. A northern DPS in Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas was listed as threatened, meaning an endangered listing could be imminent.
