To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to expand the exemption process under section 7 of that Act with respect to national security and significant adverse national or regional economic impacts.

# HR 3845 Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would modify the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to make it easier to get exemptions from environmental protections when national security or significant economic hardship is at stake. Currently, there's a process (Section 7) that allows certain exemptions, but this bill would expand that process to cover more situations involving national security concerns and major economic impacts on regions or industries. **Who It Affects:** The bill could impact federal agencies working on national security projects, businesses in industries that might conflict with endangered species protections (such as energy, infrastructure, or development), and potentially endangered species themselves. Environmental groups and conservation advocates would likely be affected by any loosening of protections, while project developers facing species-related delays could benefit. **Current Status:** HR 3845 is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House.

The bill was introduced by Representative Adam Gray (D-California) in the 119th Congress. Without more detailed legislative text available, the specific mechanisms for expanding exemptions are unclear, but the bill's general intent is to streamline the process for obtaining exceptions to endangered species rules in cases involving national security or economic impacts.