Sens. Cruz, Lee, Paul, Inhofe Introduce Native Species Protection Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) last week introduced the Native Species Protection Act. This bill would allow states to manage species that exist entirely within their border.

Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said:

"I have long said the well-meaning Endangered Species Act is in need of reform, and this bill will empower local and state officials to better manage species within their own borders responsibly without excessive government overreach. I am proud to continue fighting for Texas farmers and ranchers to expand and prosper, especially as the Texas agriculture industry remains a crucial partner for conservation efforts."

Sen. Lee added:

"There are real benefits to protecting endangered species from extinction, but the federal law intended to establish such protections - the Endangered Species Act - is in serious need of reform. The Native Species Protection Act is a commonsense reform that would limit the damage caused by federal mismanagement of protected species and their habitats, while empowering state and local officials to pursue sensible conservation plans with their communities."

The Native Species Protection Act clarifies that noncommercial species found entirely within the borders of a single state are not subject to regulation under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 or any other provision of law enacted as an exercise of the power of Congress to regulate interstate commerce.

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