**Restoring Freedom: Hageman’s Bill to Delist Grizzlies Moves Forward in House**
In a significant development for state management and local governance, U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman’s bill to remove Yellowstone-area grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act list has cleared a key House committee.
This legislation, known as the Grizzly Bear State Management Act, passed the House Natural Resources Committee by a narrow 20-19 vote along party lines, reflecting the stark divide between Republican efforts to return control of wildlife management to states and Democratic opposition rooted in extreme environmental concerns.
Hageman, a passionate advocate for local ecosystems, asserted that the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem's grizzly population has fully recovered, boasting numbers of approximately 1,100 bears.
If enacted, the bill would not only restore the 2017 delisting decision made during President Donald Trump’s administration, which was unfortunately blocked by a federal judge, but it would also prevent further judicial review.
In her testimony, Hageman criticized the misuse of the Endangered Species Act, pointing out how radical environmental organizations and activist judges have thwarted sensible management strategies while ignoring the real successes of state-led conservation efforts.
She cited the strong track record of Wyoming’s Game and Fish Department in achieving grizzly recovery, arguing that local expertise often far outpaces federal assessments.
"This is an opportunity to correct a regulatory overreach that has stymied responsible wildlife management," Hageman emphasized. "We must ensure states have the authority to manage their wildlife resources without unnecessary federal interference."
Democratic representatives swiftly opposed the bill, arguing it could upset the balance of ecosystems and infringe upon the spiritual and cultural significance of the grizzly to Native American communities.
However, Hageman countered this narrative by assuring that the grizzly management plan includes essential tribal consultations, emphasizing collaboration over conflict.
The bill's advancement is a promising step forward for advocates who believe in local control and responsible management of wildlife, showcasing a stark contrast to the federal overreach often favored by the left.
As this pivotal legislation heads to the House floor, it is emblematic of the Republican commitment to returning authority to state officials, drawing clearer lines in the ongoing battle between local governance and federal regulation.
The continued success of such measures will hinge on the support of voters who recognize the benefits of local decision-making, especially when it comes to managing natural resources in alignment with the communities that are most affected.
Hageman’s push to delist the grizzly highlights a proactive approach to wildlife management that relies on proven local solutions—a hallmark of Republican values that prioritize states' rights and community engagement over bureaucratic meddling.
Sources:
cnbc.comcowboystatedaily.comamericafirstreport.com