Springfield Standard

House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Chairman James Comer and Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Energy Policy, and Regulatory Affairs Chairman Eric Burlison are leading an investigation into alleged abuses of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) under the Biden Administration. The lawmakers express concerns that these actions have contributed to increased energy costs.

In a letter addressed to Emily Menashes, Acting Assistant Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), Comer and Burlison requested a briefing on the agency’s adherence to President Trump’s National Energy Emergency declaration. "The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires NOAA Fisheries to consult the Secretary of Commerce on whether a species should be listed as endangered or otherwise. Environmentalist groups abused the ESA and regulations promulgated under its authority by filing a litany of lawsuits to create regulatory delays on infrastructure projects they oppose and to influence NOAA Fisheries’ decisions," they stated. Furthermore, the lawmakers claim that NOAA Fisheries policies under the Biden Administration have aligned too closely with the demands of environmental groups.

The committee expressed concerns that the Biden Administration has made it more challenging to delist species and has increased the designation of critical habitats, which they argue has negative implications for local communities and infrastructure projects. The lawmakers argue that actions taken by environmental groups, with the support of ESA provisions, have led to significant financial consequences for localities and hindered energy development.

Comer and Burlison discussed the importance of President Trump’s National Energy Emergency declaration. "President Trump’s National Energy Emergency declaration mandates the ESA Committee convene and identify ‘obstacles to domestic energy infrastructure specifically when deriving from implementation of the ESA’ or other relevant laws. ESA Committee members will propose regulatory reforms, consider species listings, and improve the interagency consultation process," the lawmakers continued. They are advocating for a process that involves impacted states and communities more directly in federal decision-making related to energy and environmental policies.

The request for a staff-level briefing aims to provide insights into NOAA Fisheries' role in addressing these issues, aligning with the Trump declaration’s objectives.

The full letter to NOAA Fisheries can be accessed through the appropriate channels.