“States are on the front lines of wildlife management and possess the most current, localized data on species populations,” said Rep. Boebert. “For too long, federal bureaucrats at the Department of the Interior have had the discretion to cherry-pick or outright ignore state-collected science to advance political agendas. This bill ensures that real, boots-on-the-ground data from state experts drives decisions and will lead to smarter, more effective conservation that actually works for both wildlife and the communities that live alongside it.”
Background:
Currently, federal listing decisions under the ESA often overlook or selectively use the extensive species data gathered by state agencies. Because the Department of the Interior can choose whether to accept or reject this information, the process has been vulnerable to manipulation. The Local Data for Better Conservation Act closes this loophole by mandating the incorporation of credible state data, promoting transparency, federalism, and better conservation outcomes.
House Cosponsors: Rep. Jeff Crank (CO-05), Rep. Gabe Evans (CO-08), Rep. Mike Kennedy (UT-03), Rep. Jeff Hurd (CO-03), and Rep. Troy Downing (MT-02)
Senate Cosponsors: Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL), Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), and Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK).
The bill is supported by the Wyoming Game & Fish Department and the National Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies.
Read the full bill text HERE.
