Bill 119 hr 65, also known as the "Endangered Species Act Amendments of 2021," aims to make changes to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 in relation to lands used for national defense-related purposes. The bill seeks to restrict the Secretary of the Interior from designating certain lands as critical habitat for any species under the Act if they are used for national defense-related purposes. Additionally, the bill aims to broaden exclusions and exemptions from the Act for defense-related purposes.
The purpose of this bill is to balance the protection of endangered species with the needs of national defense. By restricting the designation of critical habitat on lands used for defense-related purposes, the bill aims to prevent potential conflicts between conservation efforts and national security interests. The bill also seeks to provide more flexibility for defense-related activities by broadening exclusions and exemptions from the Act.
Overall, Bill 119 hr 65 addresses the intersection of conservation and national defense, seeking to ensure that both priorities are taken into account when implementing the Endangered Species Act. The bill aims to strike a balance between protecting endangered species and supporting national security efforts.