Summary of HR 845: Pet and Livestock Protection Act

Bill Overview

• Bill Number: HR 845
• Title: Pet and Livestock Protection Act
• Status: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources (H. Rept. 119-332)
• Introduced: January 31, 2025
• Classification: Legislative Bill

Purpose of the Legislation

The Pet and Livestock Protection Act aims to require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations that remove the gray wolf (Canis lupus) from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This action is intended to facilitate the management of gray wolf populations at the state level.

Key Provisions

1. Reissuance of Regulations:

   • The Secretary of the Interior must reissue the final rule titled "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Gray Wolf (Canis lupus) From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife," which was originally published on November 3, 2020.
   • This reissuance must occur within 60 days of the bill's enactment.

2. Judicial Review Prohibition:

   • The bill explicitly states that the reissuance of the final rule shall not be subject to judicial review, limiting the ability of courts to challenge this decision.

Background and Need for Legislation

• The gray wolf was listed as threatened in Minnesota and endangered in the rest of the lower 48 states in 1978. Recovery programs have been implemented in various regions, particularly in the Great Lakes area, where a stable population has been established.
• As of recent estimates, approximately 4,200 gray wolves inhabit Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, meeting the recovery criteria set forth in previous management frameworks.
• The bill responds to ongoing legal challenges regarding the status of gray wolves, particularly following a 2022 court ruling that reinstated protections for the species. Proponents argue that the gray wolf population has recovered sufficiently to warrant delisting.

Who Would Be Affected

• Wildlife Management: State wildlife agencies would gain increased authority to manage gray wolf populations without federal oversight.
• Agricultural Stakeholders: Farmers and livestock producers may benefit from reduced predation on livestock, as the removal from the endangered list could lead to more aggressive management strategies.
• Environmental Groups: Organizations advocating for wildlife protection may oppose the bill, arguing that it undermines conservation efforts and could lead to population declines.

Legislative Timeline

• January 31, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• March 18, 2025: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
• March 25, 2025: Subcommittee hearings held.
• April 9, 2025: Committee consideration and mark-up session held; ordered to be reported in the nature of a substitute.
• October 3, 2025: Reported (amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources and placed on the Union Calendar.

Conclusion

The Pet and Livestock Protection Act seeks to streamline the management of gray wolf populations by removing federal protections, reflecting a shift towards state-level wildlife management. The bill has generated significant discussion regarding the balance between agricultural interests and wildlife conservation.