Little Apple Times

U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) has introduced legislation to remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the threatened and endangered species list. The bill, supported by 14 colleagues, aims to prevent future efforts to relist the bird. This move comes after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finalized a rule in November 2022 to list the Northern Distinct Population Segment of the lesser prairie-chicken as threatened, despite an increase in its population.

Senator Marshall has presented a companion bill in the U.S. Senate. Rep. Mann stated, “America’s farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are the original conservationists of the land.” He emphasized that local efforts have increased the population by more than 15,000 but criticized federal management under President Biden's administration.

Senator Marshall echoed these sentiments: “In listing the lesser prairie-chicken, the Biden Administration prioritized the interests of radical environmentalists over rural America.” He highlighted contributions from Kansas and surrounding states towards conservation efforts which increased bird populations before federal intervention.

The legislation is backed by Representatives Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Ron Estes (KS-04), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Jodey Arrington (TX-19), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Frank Lucas (OK-03), Josh Brecheen (OK-02), Don Bacon (NE-02), Gary Palmer (AL-06), Scott Perry (PA-10), Wesley Hunt (TX-38), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Brian Babin (TX-36), and Keith Self (TX-03).

Rep. Mann has been vocal against listing the LPC as endangered since May 2021 and pushed for extended public comment on this issue. In February 2023, he led a Congressional Review Act effort to reverse this listing, which passed in July 2023 but was vetoed by President Biden.