ESA Amendments Act of 2025

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Bill ID: 119/hr/1897
Last Updated: July 16, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]

ID: W000821

Follow the money

The bill

ESA Amendments Act of 2025

HR. 1897, 119th Congress — read as touching Construction & Engineering.

The sponsor

Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$105,700 raised

30 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

63% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Introduction" section, p. 566-568 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1189 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897 and H.R. 5587. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587 under a closed rule with one hour of general debate on each measure. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 4690, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587.

April 19, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

📍 Current Status

Next: The full House will vote on whether to pass the bill.

Passed House

🏛️

Senate Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, courtesy of the 119th Congress. The ESA Amendments Act of 2025 is a bill that promises to "optimize conservation" and "incentivize wildlife conservation on private lands." How quaint. How utterly predictable.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of this bill is to gut the Endangered Species Act (ESA) under the guise of "streamlining" and "improving" it. The real objective is to appease corporate interests, particularly those in the fossil fuel, agriculture, and real estate development sectors, by reducing regulatory hurdles and allowing them to exploit natural resources with greater ease.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill introduces a plethora of changes, including:

* Redefining key terms like "foreseeable future" and "habitat" to limit the scope of species protection * Exempting certain activities from environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) * Creating new loopholes for private landowners to avoid conservation measures * Limiting the ability of citizens to challenge decisions made by federal agencies regarding endangered species

These changes are designed to undermine the effectiveness of the ESA and pave the way for increased exploitation of natural resources.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties include:

* Endangered species (obviously) * Private landowners and corporations seeking to exploit natural resources * Federal agencies responsible for enforcing the ESA, such as the Fish and Wildlife Service * Environmental organizations and advocacy groups * Indigenous communities whose lands and resources are often impacted by development projects

**Potential Impact & Implications:** The potential impact of this bill is devastating. By weakening the ESA, it will:

* Accelerate species extinction and ecosystem degradation * Increase greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change * Disproportionately harm indigenous communities and low-income populations who rely on natural resources for their livelihoods * Undermine the integrity of the scientific review process and allow politics to dictate conservation decisions

In short, this bill is a Trojan horse for corporate interests, disguised as a "conservation" measure. It's a cynical attempt to dismantle environmental protections and prioritize profits over people and the planet. How delightfully predictable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than watch the slow-motion train wreck of American politics.

Related Topics

Wildlife & Endangered SpeciesClimate Change & SustainabilityWater & Air Quality Regulations
Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$105,700
25 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$105,700
Committees
$0
Individuals
$0

No PAC contributions found

1
PUEBLO OF LAGUNA
1 transaction
$8,300
2
CHICKASAW NATION
2 transactions
$6,600
3
MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE
2 transactions
$6,600
4
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
2 transactions
$6,600
5
POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS
2 transactions
$6,600
6
SUQUAMISH INDIAN TRIBE
2 transactions
$6,600
7
ONEIDA INDIAN NATION
1 transaction
$5,000
8
CHEROKEE NATION
1 transaction
$3,300
9
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF SILETZ INDIANS
1 transaction
$3,300
10
SHINGLE SPRINGS BAND MIWOK INDIANS
1 transaction
$3,300
11
SNOQUALMIE TRIBE
1 transaction
$3,300
12
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE UMATILLA INDIAN RESERVATION
1 transaction
$3,300
13
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
1 transaction
$3,300
14
CATAWBA INDIAN NATION
1 transaction
$3,300
15
NISQUALLY INDIAN TRIBE
1 transaction
$3,300
16
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
1 transaction
$3,300
17
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
1 transaction
$3,300
18
ONEIDA NATION
1 transaction
$3,300
19
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
1 transaction
$3,300
20
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
1 transaction
$3,300
21
TULE RIVER TRIBAL COUNCIL
1 transaction
$3,300
22
MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION
1 transaction
$3,300
23
PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS
1 transaction
$3,300
24
SANTA ROSA RANCHERIA
1 transaction
$3,300
25
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
1 transaction
$3,300

No committee contributions found

No individual contributions found

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large]

ID: H001096

Top Contributors

10

1
COW CREEK BAND OF UMPQUA TRIBE OF INDIANS
OrganizationROSEBURG, OR
$5,000
Aug 6, 2024
2
PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS
OrganizationTACOMA, WA
$3,700
Mar 4, 2024
3
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$3,300
Dec 22, 2023
4
PECHANGA BAND OF INDIANS
OrganizationTEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Dec 22, 2023
5
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Nov 6, 2023
6
SHINGLE SPRINGS BAND MIWOK INDIANS
OrganizationSHINGLE SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Dec 22, 2023
7
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 29, 2024
8
HPUL PROJECT OPERATIONS
OrganizationUPPER LAKE, CA
$3,300
Sep 6, 2024
9
MUCKLESHOOT INDIAN TRIBE
OrganizationAUBURN, WA
$3,300
Sep 6, 2024
10
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY OPERATIONS ACCOUNT
OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ
$3,300
Sep 13, 2024

Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8]

ID: S001212

Top Contributors

10

1
DEMOCRACY ENGINE INC
PACWASHINGTON, DC
$500
Jun 6, 2023
2
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Jun 30, 2024
3
LEECH LAKE - PAC
OrganizationCASS LAKE, MN
$3,300
Dec 12, 2024
4
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUITY
OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN
$3,300
Nov 13, 2023
5
GOOGLE
OrganizationMOUNTAIN VIEW, CA
$1,000
Feb 21, 2023
6
CHAIN BRIDGE BANK
OrganizationMCLEAN, VA
$25
Dec 6, 2023
7
ZOTTO, CARLA DEL
IndividualGLADEWATER, TX
$10,000
Aug 27, 2024
8
ANDERSON, ROLLIS
ANDERSON TRUCKING SERVICE INC.CEO
IndividualSAINT CLOUD, MN
$9,900
Feb 8, 2024
9
FAISON, JAY
CLEARPATHFOUNDER
IndividualCHARLOTTE, NC
$6,600
Jun 30, 2024
10
NYSTROM, BRIAN AND MARY ANN
NYSTROM & ASSOCIATESPRESIDENT & CEO
IndividualANDOVER, MN
$6,600
Sep 27, 2024

Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7]

ID: T000165

Top Contributors

10

1
SOLBERG, TRYGVE A
SELFBUSINESS OWNER
IndividualMINOCQUA, WI
$13,200
Sep 30, 2023
2
SHANNON, JEAN L
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualMILWAUKEE, WI
$13,200
Jul 27, 2023
3
NICKLAUS, GREG
INCREDIBLE BANKVICE CHAIRMAN
IndividualARBOR VITAE, WI
$13,200
Mar 31, 2024
4
NICKLAUS, GREG
INCREDIBLE BANKVICE CHAIRMAN
IndividualARBOR VITAE, WI
$13,200
Mar 31, 2024
5
BUHOLZER, RONALD
KLONDIKE CHEESEPRESIDENT
IndividualMONROE, WI
$13,200
Jun 30, 2024
6
MAYER, SCOTT A
QPS EMPLOYMENT GROUPCHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
IndividualFRANKLIN, WI
$10,000
Feb 29, 2024
7
HILGEMANN, WILLIAM
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualSTRATFORD, WI
$9,900
Jun 30, 2024
8
ZIETLOW, DONALD P
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualLA CROSSE, WI
$6,666
Jun 28, 2023
9
ALBEE, ALAN P
EAGLE WASTE AND RECYCLING INCPRESIDENT
IndividualMINOCQUA, WI
$6,600
Aug 12, 2024
10
ALDRIDGE, KENNETH
SELFEXECUTIVE
IndividualLIBERTYVILLE, IL
$6,600
Aug 3, 2023

Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9]

ID: G000565

Top Contributors

10

1
COLORADO RIVER INDIANS TRIBES
OrganizationPARKER, AZ
$2,000
Sep 21, 2023
2
COLORADO RIVER INDIANS TRIBES
OrganizationPARKER, AZ
$1,000
Jun 29, 2024
3
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationBANNING, CA
$1,000
Jul 19, 2023
4
SCHIRMER, SCOTT
M3 COMPEXECUTIVE
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$5,000
May 20, 2024
5
SMITH, RYAN
SELF EMPLOYEDENTREPRENEUR
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$5,000
May 20, 2024
6
SCHIRMER, SCOTT
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$5,000
Jun 5, 2024
7
SMITH, RYAN
IndividualSCOTTSDALE, AZ
$5,000
Jun 5, 2024
8
TAPIA, DONALD
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualPARADISE VALLEY, AZ
$5,000
Aug 29, 2024
9
TAPIA, DONALD
IndividualPARADISE VALLEY, AZ
$5,000
Sep 9, 2024
10
O'KEEFFE, WILLIAM
SAFTIPRESIDENT
IndividualSAN FRANCISCO, CA
$5,000
Oct 23, 2024

Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]

ID: H001100

Top Contributors

10

1
OTERO COUNTY REPUBLICAN WOMEN
OrganizationLA JUNTA, CO
$2,000
Nov 22, 2024
2
GARY DOEHLING PC
OrganizationGRAND JUNCTION, CO
$2,000
Jan 22, 2024
3
MESA COUNTY REPUBLICAN MEN'S CLUB
OrganizationGRAND JUNCTION, CO
$500
Nov 22, 2024
4
DEARMAN CONSULTING LLC
OrganizationMEEKER, CO
$500
Feb 12, 2024
5
L BAR SLASH RANCH
OrganizationMEEKER, CO
$500
Feb 12, 2024
6
MONTEZUMA COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE
OrganizationCORTEZ, CO
$200
Oct 30, 2024
7
BENSON, BRUCE
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualDENVER, CO
$5,000
Nov 1, 2024
8
ABBOTT, DEBRA
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualMONTROSE, CO
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024
9
ABBOTT, SARAH
IRELAND STAPLETON PRYOR AND PASCOE PCLAWYER
IndividualMONTROSE, CO
$3,300
Sep 3, 2024
10
ABBOTT, THOMAS
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualMONTROSE, CO
$3,300
Sep 30, 2024

Rep. Newhouse, Dan [R-WA-4]

ID: N000189

Top Contributors

10

1
THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION
OrganizationNESPELEM, WA
$5,000
Sep 27, 2024
2
THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION
OrganizationNESPELEM, WA
$3,300
Oct 6, 2023
3
PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS
OrganizationTACOMA, WA
$3,300
Jun 14, 2024
4
CHEROKEE NATION
OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK
$3,300
Oct 29, 2024
5
PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS
OrganizationTACOMA, WA
$2,900
Aug 11, 2023
6
SWINOMISH INDIAN TRIBAL COMMUNITY
OrganizationLA CONNER, WA
$2,000
Oct 22, 2024
7
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE CHEHALIS RESERVATION
OrganizationOAKVILLE, WA
$2,000
Oct 1, 2024
8
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
OrganizationSANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,000
Aug 30, 2023
9
PUYALLUP TRIBE OF INDIANS
OrganizationTACOMA, WA
$400
Jun 14, 2024
10
FAISON, JAY W. MR.
CLEAN PATH ACTION FUND FOR CONSERVATIVCEO
IndividualCHARLOTTE, NC
$11,600
Jul 24, 2023

Rep. Bentz, Cliff [R-OR-2]

ID: B000668

Top Contributors

10

1
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF SILETZ INDIANS
OrganizationSILETZ, OR
$3,300
Dec 18, 2023
2
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
OrganizationPALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Dec 18, 2023
3
SAN PABLO LYTTON BAND OF POM INDIANS
OrganizationSAN PABLO, CA
$3,300
Apr 9, 2024
4
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF SILETZ INDIANS
OrganizationSILETZ, OR
$3,300
Aug 1, 2023
5
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION
OrganizationNESPELEM, WA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2023
6
THE TULALIP TRIBES OF WASHINGTON
PARTNERSHIP
OrganizationMARYSVILLE, WA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2023
7
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF SILETZ INDIANS
OrganizationSILETZ, OR
$3,300
Sep 3, 2024
8
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION
OrganizationNESPELEM, WA
$3,300
Sep 26, 2024
9
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
OrganizationTEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Sep 26, 2024
10
THE TULALIP TRIBES OF WASHINGTON
OrganizationTULALIP, WA
$3,300
Aug 19, 2024

Rep. Fulcher, Russ [R-ID-1]

ID: F000469

Top Contributors

10

1
ROBU, ELI
AJ GENERAL CONTRACTORSCONSTRUCTION
IndividualWORLEY, ID
$3,300
Aug 4, 2024
2
SCOTT, JB
SELF EMPLOYEDREAL ESTATE DEVELOPER
IndividualBOISE, ID
$3,300
Apr 16, 2024
3
VANDERSLOOT, FRANK
MELALEUCACEO
IndividualIDAHO FALLS, ID
$3,300
May 1, 2024
4
TURLINGTON, SCOTT
TAMARACK RESORTHOSPITALITY
IndividualTAMARACK, ID
$3,300
Apr 20, 2024
5
VANDERSLOOT, BELINDA
HOMEMAKERHOMEMAKER
IndividualIDAHO FALLS, ID
$3,300
May 1, 2024
6
BENNETT, BRETT
BENNETT LUMBERPRESIDENT
IndividualMOSCOW, ID
$3,300
Oct 28, 2023
7
WILLIAMS, LARRY
TREE TOP RANCHESOWNER
IndividualBOISE, ID
$3,300
Feb 13, 2024
8
CENTERS, JAKE
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualMERIDIAN, ID
$3,300
Feb 15, 2024
9
ROOPE, CALEB
THE PACIFIC COMPANIESCEO
IndividualEAGLE, ID
$3,300
Mar 4, 2024
10
ROOPE, CALEB
THE PACIFIC COMPANIESCEO
IndividualEAGLE, ID
$3,300
Mar 4, 2024

Rep. Begich, Nicholas [R-AK-At Large]

ID: B001323

Top Contributors

10

1
LOKEN, TYLER
IndividualANCHORAGE, AK
$5,000
Oct 17, 2024
2
ODOM, WILLIAM L
ODOM CORPVICE CHAIRMAN
IndividualANCHORAGE, AK
$5,000
Oct 26, 2024
3
ODOM, WILLIAM L
IndividualANCHORAGE, AK
$5,000
Oct 26, 2024
4
FOX, RICHARD
GMS LLCMANAGER
IndividualANCHORAGE, AK
$3,435
Sep 4, 2024
5
GERONDALE, CHRISTOPHER
SELF
IndividualJUNEAU, AK
$3,300
Oct 16, 2023
6
GERONDALE, CHRISTOPHER
SELF
IndividualJUNEAU, AK
$3,300
Oct 16, 2023
7
MCNAMARA, MICHAEL
MICHAEL MCNAMARAPHYSICIAN
IndividualANCHORAGE, AK
$3,300
Oct 25, 2023
8
SCHWARZMAN, CHRISTINE
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Nov 1, 2023
9
SCHWARZMAN, CHRISTINE
RETIREDRETIRED
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Nov 1, 2023
10
SCHWARZMAN, STEPHEN
BLACKSTONE
IndividualNEW YORK, NY
$3,300
Oct 30, 2023

Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]

ID: E000235

Top Contributors

10

1
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC - ALEX HINSON, PARTNER AND CHIEF EXEC. OFFICER
OrganizationBIRMINGHAM, AL
$2,500
Nov 2, 2023
2
ALLY TELECOM GROUP LLC - PARTNERSHIP - MITCH KALIFEH
OrganizationMETAIRIE, LA
$2,500
Aug 30, 2023
3
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
OrganizationCHOCTAW, MS
$1,000
Apr 25, 2023
4
GONC LTC, LLC
OrganizationJACKSON, MS
$1,000
Sep 14, 2023
5
STEED'S COLLISION CTR, LLC - LAURA STEED MANAGER
OrganizationBILOXI, MS
$1,000
Aug 30, 2023
6
WATKINS & EAGER PLLC - GRANT SELLERS, PARTNER
OrganizationJACKSON, MS
$1,000
Aug 30, 2023
7
TEN ONE STRATEGIES - JOHN HUGHES, MANAGING PARTNER
OrganizationJACKSON, MS
$500
Aug 25, 2023
8
GULF PRIDE COMPANIES, LLC - ERICH N. NICHOLS, MANAGER
OrganizationGULFPORT, MS
$250
Aug 30, 2023
9
WATKINS & EAGER PLLC - GRANT SELLERS, PARTNER
OrganizationJACKSON, MS
$250
Aug 25, 2023
10
DUNAGIN, MELINDA
DUNAGIN PEST SOLUTIONSOFFICE MANAGER
IndividualHATTIESBURG, MS
$3,300
Nov 1, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Loading...

Showing 98 nodes and 45 connections (89 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $172,900

Top Donors - Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]

Showing top 25 donors by contribution amount

25 Orgs

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 3 helped, 11 harmed.

  • Section 506 expands exemption process eligibility under Section 7 of the ESA for agency actions that may violate subsection (a)(2) if a reasonable and prudent alternative would impair national security or result in significant adverse national or regional economic impacts. This streamlines permitting for federal projects, benefiting construction and engineering firms involved in such actions by reducing ESA-related delays and mitigation requirements.

  • Section 405 requires analysis of effects on human health and safety when determining endangered/threatened status, which could increase regulatory scrutiny and costs for hospitals/health systems if species protections impact facility operations or land use near medical facilities.

  • Crop Producersconfidence 0.80

    Section 201's Conservation Benefit Agreements directly incentivize wildlife conservation on private lands, which could require crop producers to implement conservation measures that may restrict certain farming practices or land use.

  • Section 506 allows exemptions for agency actions where a reasonable and prudent alternative necessary to comply with ESA subsection (a)(2) may impair national security or cause significant adverse economic impacts. This could apply to energy infrastructure projects (e.g., pipelines, transmission lines) facing ESA consultations, reducing regulatory barriers and permitting delays.

  • Section 506's expansion of exemption eligibility under Section 7 for actions where reasonable and prudent alternatives may cause significant adverse national or regional economic impacts could benefit surface transportation projects (e.g., rail, highway) by streamlining ESA compliance and reducing mitigation requirements.

  • Health Insuranceconfidence 0.70

    Section 405's mandated analysis of human health and safety effects could lead to stricter species protections that indirectly affect health insurance costs through potential healthcare access disruptions or increased medical service costs in affected areas.

+ 8 more industries not shown.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Rep. Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Industries this bill HARMS

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.

Introduction

Moderate63.1%
Pages: 566-568

— 534 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise l Delist the grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems and defend to the Supreme Court of the United States the agency’s fact-based decision to do so.84 l Delist the gray wolf in the lower 48 states in light of its full recovery under the ESA.85 l Cede to western states jurisdiction over the greater sage-grouse, recognizing the on-the-ground expertise of states and preventing use of the sage-grouse to interfere with public access to public land and economic activity. l Direct the Fish and Wildlife Service to end its abuse of Section 10(j) of the ESA by re-introducing so-called “experiment species” populations into areas that no longer qualify as habitat and lie outside the historic ranges of those species, which brings with it the full weight of the ESA in areas previously without federal government oversight.86 l Direct the Fish and Wildlife Service to design and implement an impartial conservation triage program by prioritizing the allocation of limited resources to maximize conservation returns, relative to the conservation goals, under a constrained budget.87 l Direct the Fish and Wildlife Service to make all data used in ESA decisions available to the public, with limited or no exceptions, to fulfill the public’s right to know and to prevent the agency’s previous opaque decision-making. l Abolish the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey and obtain necessary scientific research about species of concern from universities via competitive requests for proposals. l Direct the Fish and Wildlife Service to: (1) design and implement an Endangered Species Act program that ensures independent decision- making by ending reliance on so-called species specialists who have obvious self-interest, ideological bias, and land-use agendas; and (2) ensure conformity with the Information Quality Act.88 Office of Surface Mining. The Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM) was created by the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA)89 to administer programs for controlling the impacts of surface coal mining operations. Although the coal industry is contracting, coal constitutes — 535 — Department of the Interior 20 percent of the nation’s electricity and is a mainstay of many regional economies. The following actions should ensure OSM’s ability to perform its mission while com- plying with SMCRA and without interfering with the production of high-quality American coal: l Relocate the OSM Reclamation and Enforcement headquarters to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to recognize that the agency is field-driven and should be headquartered in the coal field.90 l Reduce the number of field coal-reclamation inspectors to recognize the industry is smaller. l Reissue Trump’s Schedule F executive order to permit discharge of nonperforming employees.91 l Permit coal company employees to benefit from the OSM Training Program, which is currently restricted to state and federal employees. l Revise the Applicant Violator System, the nationwide database for the federal and state programs, to permit federal and state regulators to consider extenuating circumstances. l Maintain the current “Ten-Day Notice” rule, which requires OSM to work with state regulators in determining if a SMCRA violation has taken place in recognition of the fact that a coal mining state with primacy has the lead in implementing state and federal law. l Preserve Directive INE-26, which relates to approximate original contour, a critical factor in permitting efficient and environmentally sound surface mining, especially in Appalachia.92 Western Water Issues. The American West, from the Great Plains to the Cas- cades Range, is arid, as recognized by John Wesley Powell during his famous trip across a large part of its length. Pursuant to an Executive Order signed by President Trump, and consistent with its authority along with other federal agencies, DOI’s Bureau of Reclamation must take the following actions: l Develop additional storage capacity across the arid west, including by: 1. Updating dam water control manuals for existing facilities during routine operations; and

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text. A score of 60% or higher indicates meaningful thematic overlap. This does not imply direct causation or intent, but highlights areas where legislation aligns with Project 2025 policy objectives.

Full Policy Text

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