WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 3845

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.

119th Congress Introduced by Jim Costa and 1 co-sponsor

Summary of H.R. 3845: Endangered Species Act Amendments Bill OverviewH.R. 3845 is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that proposes amendments to the Endangered

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 3845

Summary of H.R. 3845: Endangered Species Act Amendments

Bill Overview

H.R. 3845 is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives that proposes amendments to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The main purpose of the bill is to expand the exemption process under Section 7 of the ESA, which currently allows for exemptions on the basis of national security, to also include considerations of significant adverse national or regional economic impacts.

Key Provisions

The bill would make the following key changes to the ESA:

  1. Expanded Exemption Process: In addition to national security concerns, the bill would allow for exemptions from ESA protections if a proposed action is deemed to have "significant adverse national or regional economic impacts."

  2. Economic Impact Analysis: The bill would require a detailed economic impact analysis to be conducted as part of the exemption application process. This analysis must demonstrate the significant adverse economic consequences that would result from complying with the ESA.

  3. Exemption Approval: The bill would modify the ESA's exemption approval process, requiring a majority vote from the Endangered Species Committee (also known as the "God Squad") to grant an exemption on the basis of economic impacts, rather than the current unanimous vote requirement.

Potential Impact

If enacted, H.R. 3845 would make it easier for federal agencies and private entities to obtain exemptions from ESA protections if they can demonstrate significant adverse economic consequences. This could lead to increased development, resource extraction, and other activities in areas inhabited by endangered or threatened species.

Proponents argue that the bill would help balance environmental protection with economic concerns, while critics fear it could undermine the ESA's effectiveness and lead to further declines in vulnerable plant and animal populations.

Procedural Timeline

H.R. 3845 was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 9, 2025. It has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, which will likely hold hearings and debates before potentially advancing the bill to the full House for consideration.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.