SCI submitted comments in response to a notice regarding the information required in Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing petitions. Federal agencies that collect information from the public must receive approval for the collections from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Prior to approval, the agency must solicit public comment regarding the information collection request (ICR). Occasionally, SCI submits comments for ICRs that impact hunters. Regarding ESA petitions, SCI recommended that the Service require more information from listing proponents, including the socioeconomic impact of the proposed listing action, additional information on state and foreign conservation efforts, and information that demonstrates a listing will demonstrably benefit the relevant species. SCI’s letter also requested that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s regulations conform to President Biden’s Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity. Finally, SCI also suggested the Service place limits on the number of petitions groups can submit each year. Stay tuned this summer as SCI does a deep dive on the Endangered Species Act and how to reform it for the benefit of conservation, communities, and hunters! Read SCI’s comment letter.
SCI Comments on ESA Petition Requirements
