Bill Summary
The "21st Century Endangered Species Transparency Act" is a bill that aims to amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This amendment would require the publication of the basis for determining whether a species is endangered or threatened on the internet. This information, which must include the best scientific and commercial data available, would be made publicly available with the exception of cases where a state has a law prohibiting the disclosure of personal information. This bill promotes transparency and access to information regarding the protection of endangered species.
Possible Impacts
1. Transparency in Endangered Species Listings: This legislation would require the publication of all data and information used to determine whether a species is endangered or threatened. This could have a significant impact on people who rely on these species for their livelihoods, such as fishermen, loggers, and farmers. They may face more restrictions and regulations as a result of this increased transparency.
2. Protection of Personal Information: The legislation allows for exceptions to the requirement of publishing data if a state has a law prohibiting the disclosure of personal information. This could affect individuals who are concerned about their personal information being made public, such as scientists or researchers who collect data on endangered species.
3. Increased Accountability: By requiring the publication of data used for listings, this legislation could hold the government more accountable for its decisions. This could have a positive impact on individuals or groups who advocate for the protection of certain species, as it would provide more transparency and opportunities for challenging listings. Conversely, it may also have a negative impact on industries or individuals who may face increased scrutiny and limitations due to the publication of data.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1429 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1429
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.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 13, 2019
Mr. Cornyn (for himself, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Cruz, Mr. Enzi, Mr. Lankford,
Mr. Risch, and Mr. Sullivan) introduced the following bill; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public
Works
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
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.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``21st Century Endangered Species
Transparency Act''.
SEC. 2. REQUIREMENT TO PUBLISH ON INTERNET BASIS FOR LISTINGS.
Section 4(b) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C.
1533(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Publication on internet of basis for listings.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in
subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall make publicly
available on the internet the best scientific and
commercial data available that are the basis for each
regulation, including each proposed regulation,
promulgated under subsection (a)(1).
``(B) Exception.--At the request of a Governor or
legislature of a State, the Secretary shall not make
available under subparagraph (A) information regarding
which the State has determined public disclosure is
prohibited by a law of that State relating to the
protection of personal information.''.
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