This bill would remove grizzly bears in the lower 48 states from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act within two years of enactment. The legislation argues that grizzly bears do not qualify as an endangered or threatened species under the Act's legal definitions and that removing their protections would free up federal resources for species in greater need. The bill affects wildlife management in states like Idaho and Montana where grizzly populations are currently protected. The removal decision cannot be challenged in court, though the Department of Interior retains the ability to add protections back for specific grizzly bear populations in the future if they meet certain scientific criteria, though such protections would not require critical habitat designation.
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