An initiative by a Wyoming Republican to delist Yellowstone grizzly bears from Endangered Species Act protections advanced narrowly in Congress. The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources approved the bill 20-19. The proposal aims to reaffirm a 2017 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decision to delist the bears and shield it from legal challenges. The bill is spearheaded by U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, with Montana co-sponsors Troy Downing and Ryan Zinke.
In the committee meeting, Hageman contended that Yellowstone grizzlies reached their recovery goal of 500 bears decades ago. “In my state, they are saturated, they far exceed recovery goals and it is time to delist them,” she argued. Democratic Rep. Jared Huffman expressed concerns about state management commitment, stating some “have not demonstrated a credible commitment to continuing the conservation of the species.”
Hageman mentioned over 200 annual conflicts with grizzlies in Wyoming and argued misrepresentation of the threat to their existence. Committee chair Bruce Westerman supported the initiative, emphasizing the success of the endangered species program, noting, “Since Congress first enacted the Endangered Species Act in 1973, only 3% of listed species have been classified as recovered and delisted.”
Ryan Zinke, who initiated the 2017 rule to delist grizzlies during his tenure as Secretary of the Interior, endorsed the bill, pointing to the “success of the grizzly in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.” He highlighted the importance of celebrating recovery milestones and transferring management back to the states.
Prior to the hearing, over 50 wildlife groups, including Earthjustice, opposed the bill, citing concerns about the limited range and isolation of grizzly populations. They warned of increased risks from hunting and development. Earthjustice attorney Jenny Harbine emphasized, “We shouldn’t squander that progress by turning grizzlies over to the same types of hostile state policies.”
Biologist Chris Servheen warned the proposal threatens grizzly recovery efforts, citing risks of funding cuts and increased development in their habitats. This move comes after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under President Biden, rejected recent delisting petitions from Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. The proposal now awaits a full House vote.
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