Bill 119 s 171, also known as the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Protection Act, aims to remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The bill seeks to amend the Act to specifically exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from its authority, effectively removing federal protections for this particular species.
The lesser prairie-chicken is a bird species native to the grasslands of the southern Great Plains, and its population has been declining in recent years due to habitat loss and other factors. Proponents of the bill argue that removing federal protections for the lesser prairie-chicken will allow for more flexibility in land use and development in the region, potentially benefiting local economies.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that removing protections for the lesser prairie-chicken could further endanger the species and lead to its extinction. They believe that federal oversight is necessary to ensure the conservation and recovery of the species.
Overall, Bill 119 s 171 is a controversial piece of legislation that highlights the ongoing debate between conservation efforts and economic development. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for the future of the lesser prairie-chicken and its habitat.