The Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2025 mandates the reissuance of a rule removing the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's grizzly bear population from the endangered species list, preventing judicial review of this action.
Cynthia Lummis
Senator
WY
The Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2025 instructs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a final rule delisting the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population of grizzly bears from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife, as previously published in the Federal Register. This reissuance must occur within 180 days of the Act's enactment and bypasses standard regulatory considerations and judicial review.
Grizzly Bear Protections Stripped in Yellowstone Area: New Law Blocks Court Challenges
The Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2025 mandates the removal of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) from the endangered species list, effectively handing management over to state authorities. This is achieved by directing the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a 2017 rule (82 Fed. Reg. 30502) that was previously challenged in court. The kicker? This reissued rule is immune to any judicial review, meaning it can't be contested in court.
Fast-Tracking the Delisting
This Act requires the Interior Secretary to reissue the delisting rule within 180 days of the law's enactment. Notably, it bypasses the usual rulemaking procedures under the Administrative Procedure Act and other relevant statutes. Essentially, it's a fast-track to delisting, sidestepping typical environmental impact assessments and public comment periods.
Real-World Impacts: From Ranchers to Hikers
For ranchers and landowners in the GYE, this could mean fewer restrictions on land use where grizzly conflicts have been a concern. It might also open up areas to increased hunting opportunities, potentially boosting local revenue from hunting licenses and related tourism. However, for the bears themselves, it could lead to a decrease in crucial protections, potentially affecting their population stability in the long run. For those who hike and enjoy the Yellowstone ecosystem, the change could mean a shift in how the wilderness areas are managed, with a potential increase in human-wildlife interactions.
The Bigger Picture and Potential Challenges
This move sets a significant precedent. By blocking judicial review, the Act limits the public's ability to challenge the scientific basis or environmental impact of the delisting. It essentially creates a scenario where a specific endangered species' management can be altered without the usual checks and balances that ensure decisions are scientifically sound and in the public interest. While proponents may argue this streamlines management and reduces bureaucratic hurdles, the lack of legal recourse raises concerns about how future wildlife management decisions might be made, potentially bypassing established environmental safeguards.