Republicans in the US House of Representatives canceled a scheduled vote on the ESA Amendments Act, which would codify President Donald Trump's efforts to weaken endangered species protections. The abrupt decision on Earth Day came amid concerns from lawmakers in tourism-heavy Gulf Coast areas, particularly Florida. Opposition focused on risks to wildlife habitats and local economies.
The vote, set for Wednesday, April 24, involved legislation introduced by US Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.). The bill seeks to limit habitat protections under the Endangered Species Act, mandate economic and national security analyses for species listings, extend listing deadlines, and accelerate delistings. Westerman's office did not comment on the cancellation, though he told news outlets he hopes to bring the bill back soon. This follows a recent Trump administration exemption for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico from ESA requirements, which some viewed as legally questionable. Republicans from Florida, reliant on ecotourism, voiced strong reservations. US Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) posted on social media: “Don’t tread on my turtles. Protected means protected.” Fellow Floridian US Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) expressed worries about potential drilling avenues harming the state's economy, which benefits over $30 billion annually from the Everglades ecosystem hosting species like manatees, Florida panthers, and birds. More than 275 organizations signed a letter from Defenders of Wildlife urging a no vote, arguing the bill prioritizes politics over science. Mary Beth Beetham, the group's legislative affairs director, called it a complete rewrite with no recovery provisions: “This bill should just die of its own weight.” Vermont Law professor emeritus Patrick Parenteau suggested opposition might center on blocking Gulf drilling near Florida. Dozens of Floridians, including businesspeople and scientists, echoed these concerns in their own opposing letter. Since Trump returned to office, his administration has pursued multiple actions to ease ESA constraints for fossil fuels and industry, including proposals to rescind habitat protections and rules addressing climate impacts. Congressional efforts include over 60 bills since January 2025 targeting the law, with Westerman's as the most sweeping. Experts note that legislated changes pose greater long-term threats than reversible agency rules.
