Rep. Westerman on Grizzly Bear Delisting and Lead Ammunition Ban

Grizzly Bear Management and Delisting

• 🐻 The Grizzly Bear State Management Act of 2025 aims to celebrate species recovery through delisting.
• 📈 In the greater Yellowstone ecosystem, the grizzly bear population has doubled the original recovery goal, leading to increased attacks on people, animals, and property.
• 🚫 The Biden administration rejected state-led delisting petitions, ignoring local communities and facts.
• 📉 Only 3% of species listed under the Endangered Species Act have been recovered and delisted since 1973.
• 🎯 It is time to return management to the states who best understand local species and conditions.

Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers

• 🎣 The Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025 seeks to prevent a ban on lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters.
• ⚠️ Exceptions would only be made if science clearly shows wildlife population decline directly caused by lead ammunition and tackle.
• 💸 The Biden administration's rule banning lead ammunition and tackle on eight national wildlife refuges is seen as misguided.
• 💰 Lead-free hunting ammunition is 24.66% more expensive than lead ammunition, potentially making hunting and fishing inaccessible to many.
• ⚖️ This legislation aims to prevent government-imposed financial barriers and keep outdoor recreation accessible.

Black Vulture Relief Act

• 🦅 The bipartisan Black Vulture Relief Act allows livestock producers to take black vultures threatening their herds without a permit.
• 📝 It provides clear guidance for reporting takes, streamlining the existing permit-based process.
• 🐄 Livestock producers are on the front lines of America's food supply and understand threats from predators like black vultures.

Additional Legislation

• 🌲 The committee also considered nine bills with bipartisan agreement, including legislation to speed up federal hiring of wildland firefighters, support conservation programs, ensure government efficiency, reauthorize fishery research, provide relief for aquaculture facilities, and support American white oak health.