To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to require publication on the internet of the basis for determinations that species are endangered species or threatened species, and for other purposes.
1/8/2025, 1:40 PMSummary of Bill HR 180
Bill 119 hr 180, also known as the "Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act," aims to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The main purpose of this bill is to require the publication of the basis for determinations that species are endangered or threatened on the internet. This means that the reasoning behind why certain species are classified as endangered or threatened will be made available for public viewing online.The bill also includes provisions for the Secretary of the Interior to provide a detailed explanation of the scientific data used to make these determinations. This transparency is intended to ensure that the decisions made regarding the classification of species are based on sound scientific evidence and reasoning.
In addition to requiring the publication of the basis for determinations, the bill also includes other provisions related to the Endangered Species Act. These provisions are aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in the decision-making process surrounding endangered species. Overall, Bill 119 hr 180 seeks to improve the transparency and reasonableness of decisions made under the Endangered Species Act by requiring the publication of the basis for determinations online. This will allow for greater public scrutiny and understanding of the factors that go into determining which species are classified as endangered or threatened.
Congressional Summary of HR 180
Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act of 2025
This bill modifies requirements concerning determinations on whether a species is a threatened or endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), caps attorney's fees to prevailing parties in ESA citizen suits, and makes related requirements.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) must publish online, subject to privacy or administrative limitations, the best scientific and commercial data available that are the basis for each determination. The bill states that the term best scientific and commercial data available includes all data submitted by a state, tribal, or county government. Thus, such data is automatically deemed to be the best scientific and commercial data available. Before making a determination on whether a species is an endangered or threatened species, the FWS and NMFS must provide affected states with all of the data that is the basis of the determination.
The Department of the Interior must also publish and maintain an online searchable database that discloses federal expenditures related to litigation under the ESA.
