May 20, 2026
Mr. Beyer (for himself, Ms. Castor of Florida, Mr. Figures, Mr. Frost, Mr. Soto, Mr. Huffman, and Mrs. Dingell) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources
To nullify the decision and order of the Endangered Species Committee with respect to certain oil and gas activities, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Nullification of decision and order of Endangered Species Committee
(a) In general
The decision and order of the Endangered Species Committee issued on March 31, 2026, and described in the Notice shall have no force or effect and no Federal funds may be obligated or expended to implement, administer, or enforce such decision or order.
(b) Temporary prohibition on reissuance
Notwithstanding any provision of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), during the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this section, the Endangered Species Committee may not issue pursuant to section 7 of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1536) any decision or order exempting the Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities or any portion thereof from any of the requirements of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.).
(c) Continued application of Endangered Species Act of 1973 requirements
With respect to the Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities, the requirements of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) in effect on March 30, 2026, shall have full force and effect.
(d) Definitions
In this section:
(1) Covered agencies
The term covered agencies means the—
(A)
Office of the Secretary of the Department of the Interior;
(B)
Department of the Army;
(C)
Environmental Protection Agency;
(D)
Department of Agriculture;
(E)
Council of Economic Advisors of the Executive Office of the President; and
(F)
Department of Commerce.
(2) Endangered Species Committee
The term Endangered Species Committee means the Endangered Species Committee established by section 7(e)(1) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536(e)(1)).
(3) Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities
The term Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities means Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities as that term is used in the Notice.
(4) Notice
The term Notice means the Notice published by the covered agencies titled Endangered Species Committee
(91 Fed. Reg. 16966; April 3, 2026).