To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that artificially propagated animals shall be treated the same under that Act as naturally propagated animals, and for other purposes.
To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that artificially propagated animals shall be treated the same under that Act as naturally propagated animals, and for other purposes.
Plain Language Summary
# HR 181 Summary **What the bill would do:** HR 181 would change how the Endangered Species Act treats animals raised in captivity versus those in the wild. Currently, the law can distinguish between naturally propagated (wild) and artificially propagated (captive-bred) animals when making decisions about species protection. This bill would require the government to treat both types the same way. Additionally, it would require the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service to allow and authorize artificial breeding programs as a way to help protect endangered species when other conservation measures are required. **Who it affects and key provisions:** The bill would impact wildlife management decisions for all endangered and threatened species. Supporters argue it could enable more flexible conservation strategies using captive breeding, while critics worry it could weaken protections for wild populations by reducing the legal distinction between species living in natural habitats versus controlled breeding facilities. The bill applies retroactively to all currently listed species regardless of when they were added to the endangered species list. **Current status:** HR 181 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Tom McClintock (R-California).
CRS Official Summary
This bill requires naturally propagated animals (i.e., wild animals) and artificially propagated animals to be treated the same under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). Specifically, distinctions between naturally propagated animals and artificially propagated animals may not be made when the federal government makes determinations under the ESA, such as determinations to designate endangered species, threatened species, or critical habitats. In addition, the bill requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to authorize the use of artificial propagation of animals of a species when mitigation is required under the ESA. This bill applies to all endangered or threatened species regardless of when they were listed as endangered or threatened.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.