To remove the lesser prairie-chicken from the lists of threatened species and endangered species published pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and to amend that Act to exclude the lesser prairie-chicken from the authority of that Act.

# HR 587 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** HR 587 would remove the lesser prairie-chicken from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Currently, the bird is listed as threatened, which means the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has authority to regulate activities that could harm it or its habitat. If passed, this bill would eliminate that protection entirely and prevent the government from re-listing the species in the future. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects landowners, farmers, and ranchers in the Great Plains states (particularly Kansas, where the sponsor is from), who would no longer face certain restrictions on land use to protect the bird's habitat. It also impacts conservation groups and the general public, as the lesser prairie-chicken's habitat protections could be reduced.

The bird itself, already considered vulnerable, would lose federal safeguards. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House. It was sponsored by Rep. Tracey Mann (R-Kansas). The bill represents a debate over balancing species protection with economic interests in agricultural regions.