A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat".

This joint resolution nullifies the final rule issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service titled Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Northern Long-Eared Bat and published on November 30, 2022. This rule reclassifies the northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) from a threatened species to an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The rule also removes the northern long-eared bat's species-specific rule, which applied only when the bat was listed as a threatened species.

Bill 118 SJRes 24 is a joint resolution that aims to disapprove a rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the endangered species status for the Northern Long-Eared Bat. The rule in question falls under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, which governs the process for congressional disapproval of agency rules.

The Northern Long-Eared Bat is a species that has been facing population declines due to factors such as habitat loss and the spread of a fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome. The rule submitted by the Fish and Wildlife Service sought to list the Northern Long-Eared Bat as an endangered species, which would provide additional protections for the species under the Endangered Species Act.

However, this joint resolution seeks to disapprove of the rule, which would prevent the Northern Long-Eared Bat from receiving the endangered species status. The resolution is being considered by Congress as part of the legislative process for reviewing and potentially overturning agency rules. The resolution has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some arguing that listing the Northern Long-Eared Bat as endangered is necessary to protect the species from further decline, while others believe that the rule would impose unnecessary restrictions on land use and development. Overall, Bill 118 SJRes 24 is a significant piece of legislation that highlights the complex and often contentious issues surrounding endangered species protection and environmental conservation in the United States.