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.

Broader Endangered Species Act exemptions

This bill would broaden who can ask for an exemption from Endangered Species Act rules. A federal agency, the state’s governor, or a permit or license applicant could apply after the required consultation. They could apply if the action would likely violate the Act. They could also apply if the needed fix may impair national security or cause significant adverse national or regional economic impacts. For those claims, the Secretary would consult the National Security Council and the National Economic Council and include their analyses. A federal committee would make the final decision after a report. Before any exemption, the parties must have consulted in good faith, completed any needed biological assessment, and avoided irreversible resource commitments. If enacted, this could help some projects and jobs move ahead, but could also reduce or delay species protections.