SW Arkansas Times

The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries convened today to discuss the implementation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) emphasized the need for legislative reform in her statement:

“As Chair of the Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee, I’m committed to working with my colleagues to reform the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act and the flawed regulations stemming from these laws. Under Article One, Congress—not unelected bureaucrats—holds legislative power, and the Loper Bright decision reinforces our duty to oversee vague, overreaching laws. It’s time to restore Congressional oversight over U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and empower local and state officials to conduct their own species management.”

The hearing comes in light of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which underscores Congress's role in controlling executive branch actions when implementing laws like ESA and MMPA. These acts have been criticized for being used as political tools rather than effective species management instruments.

Since its enactment in 1973, over 1,700 species have been listed under ESA as threatened or endangered; however, only 3 percent have been recovered and delisted. In response to these challenges, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) introduced the ESA Amendments Act of 2024 last September.

President Donald Trump has also taken steps regarding ESA through several Executive Orders since taking office in 2025. Notably, E.O. 14156 titled “Declaring a National Energy Emergency” directs federal agencies to expedite energy project permitting under emergency authorities related to ESA.

During today's hearing, experts provided testimony on issues concerning ESA and MMPA while discussing potential reforms Congress could adopt to ensure these laws achieve their intended purposes.