To remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened species and endangered species published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and to amend that Act to exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the authority of that Act.

House Bill

H.R. 587

119th Congress

To remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened species and endangered species published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and to amend that Act to exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the authority of that Act.

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 21, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Mark Pocan

Representative

Democratic

WI-2

Cosponsors

17

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Animals

Summary

This bill removes the lesser prairie-chicken from the threatened and endangered species lists and permanently prohibits the Fish and Wildlife Service from listing it in the future. The legislation applies to all distinct population segments of the species. It would eliminate federal protections for this grassland bird, allowing development activities currently restricted by its listing.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill removes the lesser prairie-chicken from the threatened and endangered species lists and permanently prohibits the Fish and Wildlife Service from listing it in the future. The legislation applies to all distinct population segments of the species. It would eliminate federal protections for this grassland bird, allowing development activities currently restricted by its listing.

Last updated: 1/4/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This bill removes the lesser prairie-chicken (<em>Tympanuchus pallidicinctus</em>), including each of its distinct population segments, from the threatened and endangered species lists that are published under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Further, the bill prohibits the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from designating such species as threatened or endangered, and thus, protecting such species under such act.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Removes lesser prairie-chicken from endangered species lists
Prohibits future listing of the species
Covers all distinct population segments
Eliminates federal habitat protections
Allows previously restricted development activities

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill addresses conflicts between energy development and species protection in the Great Plains. The lesser prairie-chicken inhabits areas with significant oil and gas resources. Ranchers and energy companies argue protections are unnecessary and costly. Conservationists contend the species faces genuine threats from habitat loss and needs continued protection to prevent extinction.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Animals

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

587, 119th Congress (2025). "To remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened species and endangered species published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and to amend that Act to exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the authority of that Act.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-587