What’s Happening:
Joe Biden’s far-reaching environmental agenda has been well-documented. This administration has gone farther than nearly any other, to advance policy advocated by environmentalists on the left. Perhaps the most aggressive decision made by the Biden administration has been the restricting of leases to drill for oil on federal land. That decision, according to some, has resulted in higher energy costs.
According to a new report, the Biden administration is preparing to set new regulations to expand wildlife protections. These new rules will restrict the use of land by a wide spectrum of industries. The consequences of these regulations could amount to reduced farming, food production, and other detriments to Americans. And now, a coalition of numerous groups is pushing back.
From Fox News:
A wide range of groups representing farmers, cattle ranchers, hunters, landowners and energy companies are fighting Biden administration regulations expanding wildlife protections.
In individual comments submitted earlier this month, the groups said the regulations — unveiled in June by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) — represent federal overreach and would harm small businesses, according to federal filings reviewed by Fox News Digital. In addition to the industry groups, state wildlife agencies and a coalition of 18 GOP attorneys general submitted comments opposing the rules.
A large number of industry representatives have joined state wildlife agencies and eighteen attorneys general to oppose Biden’s new rules. Some have accused the federal government of a “power grab” that infringes on the states’ authority over their natural resources.
Others are claiming the new rules fail to provide meaningful protection to endangered wildlife.
Farmers, ranchers, and even energy companies are warning the regulations will impact businesses and economies of various states.
Part of the new rules would label any threatened species as endangered. This would include a much larger group of animals, meaning larger portions of land would be off-limits to development.
Another rule allows the federal government not to consider economic factors when deciding if an animal is endangered. A third rule gives more power to the ESA, eliminating involvement by other agencies. This could speed up the process, preventing discussion or opposition.
The Biden administration has frequently been accused of over-extending its federal authority. States and various groups have taken this administration to court, numerous times, to limit what it can do to Americans and businesses. It is very likely these new regulations will result in various lawsuits, which could be taken to high federal courts.
Key Takeaways:
- The Biden administration is implementing new, sweeping rules to protect wildlife.
- A large coalition of businesses and states have pushed back against the new rules.
- These regulations would impact access to land for food and energy production.
Source: Fox News
