Summary of HR 2608: Removal of Certain Species from Endangered Lists

Bill Number: HR 2608

Introduced On: April 02, 2025

Status: Introduced in House

Primary Sponsor: Chip Roy

Cosponsors: August Pfluger, Brian Babin

Purpose and Intent

HR 2608 aims to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 by removing specific species from the lists of threatened and endangered species. The bill reflects a legislative effort to reassess the conservation status of certain animals, potentially indicating a belief that these species have recovered sufficiently or no longer require the protections afforded by the Act.

Key Provisions

The bill includes the following significant provisions:

1. Removal of Species:

   • The following species would be removed from the lists of threatened and endangered species:
     • Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)
     • Banteng (Bos javanicus)
     • Eld’s brow-antlered deer (Cervus eldi)
     • Grevy’s zebra (Equus grevyi)
     • Red lechwe (Kobus leche)
     • Seledang (Bos gaurus)
     • Swamp deer (Cervus duvauceli)

2. Amendment to Section 4 of the Endangered Species Act:

   • The bill proposes an amendment to Section 4(a) of the Endangered Species Act, which includes:
     • A modification to the Secretary's regulatory authority, stating that the Secretary may not determine the Bukharan markhor (Capra falconeri heptneri) as a threatened or endangered species.

Impact

Affected Species

The bill directly impacts the conservation status of the species listed for removal. If enacted, these species would no longer receive the protections and recovery efforts mandated by the Endangered Species Act, which could lead to changes in their management and conservation strategies.

Broader Implications

The removal of these species from the endangered lists may have implications for biodiversity conservation efforts, habitat management, and the interests of various stakeholders, including conservation organizations, landowners, and industries that may be affected by species protection regulations.

Legislative Process

• Referred to Committee: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources on the same day it was introduced (April 02, 2025). Further actions and discussions will take place within this committee before it can progress to the House floor for a vote.

Conclusion

HR 2608 represents a significant legislative proposal to alter the status of certain species under the Endangered Species Act. As it moves through the legislative process, stakeholders and the public will be closely monitoring its implications for wildlife conservation and management practices.