Should Congress remove the ruling of the northern long-eared bat species as an endangered species?
This joint resolution opposes the nullification a previous ruling that classified the northern long-eared bat as a threatened species and reclassify it to an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. It also removed the northern long-eared bat’s species-specific rule which applied only when the bat was listed as a threatened species. Sponsor: Sen. Mullin, Markwayne (Republican, Oklahoma)
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Opponents say
• "Defenders of Wildlife strongly opposes the Senate’s passage of legislation brought under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to remove the endangered status for northern long-eared bats. Northern long-eared bat populations have plummeted 99% since the early 2000’s over much of their range due to the pressures from disease, habitat loss and oil and gas drilling." Source: Jamies Rappaport Clark, Defenders of Wildlife
• "White-nose syndrome has spread across approximately 79 percent of the northern long-eared bat’s entire range and is expected to affect 100 percent of the species’ range by the end of the decade. Data indicate white-nose syndrome caused estimated declines of 97 to 100 percent in affected northern long-eared bat populations. Following a rigorous review of the best scientific and commercial information regarding the past, present, and future threats, as well as ongoing conservation efforts, the USFWS listed the northern long-eared bat as an endangered species under the ESA." Source: Joe Biden, Statement of Administration Policy
Proponents say
• "The listing of the northern long-eared bat is an example of the ESA being used to stifle development rather than its intended purpose, which is to protect species from human caused harm. The northern long-eared bat unfortunately suffers from white-nose syndrome through no fault of humans whatsoever. The listing of the bat due to this disease declares open season for environmental groups to target desperately needed development across the bat’s entire range, which covers most of the continental United States. If we’re to build infrastructure, permit electricity transmission, mine for resources needed for everyday life, and properly manage our forests, we need commonsense habitat conservation plans that protect wildlife without harming our economy. And we need to overturn this listing." Source: Rep. Stauber, Pete (Republican, Minnesota, District 8)
• "There is no reason to disproportionately increase regulatory burden and hinder economic development when this rule will not affect the primary cause of decline for the Northern Long-eared Bat. I am strongly against one-size-fits-all regulation from Washington bureaucrats, and this is no different. We must stop this reclassification and ensure our state and other impacted states can continue efforts to protect this species without the heavy hand of the federal government getting in their way." Source: Sen. Mullin, Markwayne (Republican, Oklahoma)
