Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming has introduced the Grizzly Bear State Management Act, a legislative proposal aimed at removing grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem from the Endangered Species List. The bill is co-sponsored by Senator John Barrasso and Montana Senators Steve Daines and Tim Sheehy, along with Idaho Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch.
The proposed legislation seeks to transfer management of grizzly bear populations to state authorities while maintaining federal oversight for population monitoring. This shift aims to provide states with greater flexibility in managing these wildlife populations.
Senator Lummis stated, “The Endangered Species Act is broken beyond repair, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Grizzly is the perfect example.” She further emphasized that Western states have a history of effectively managing their wildlife and expressed her belief that local management would prevent interference from federal authorities.
