WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Rand Paul (R-KY) and Dean Heller (R-NV) reintroduced the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act to restore power to states to manage endangered and threatened species found only within their borders. Representative Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) has introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House.

The bill would also require congressional approval before a species could be listed as endangered or threatened, better protect individual private property rights, and enable states such as Kentucky to address the threats black vultures pose to livestock and Nevada to address the threats ravens pose to sage grouse populations.

“We can better protect endangered species by empowering state leaders to implement a strategy more tailored to their specific circumstances,” said Sen. Paul. “Instead of continuing Washington’s ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to regulation, this bill puts local needs first and guards against bureaucratic overreach.”

“Like all Nevadans, I know how important it is that we be good stewards of wildlife and their habitats,” said Sen. Heller. “That’s why I’ve been working with Governor Sandoval and the Nevada delegation to prevent the listing of the sage grouse in order to protect both the bird and Nevada’s economy. Nevadans – not Washington bureaucrats – know how to best protect the sage grouse, and the Endangered Species Management Self-Determination Act affirms that.”

You can read it in its entirety HERE.

###