Congressman Troy Downing of Montana’s 2nd Congressional District has expressed support for the passage of H.R. 845, known as the Pet and Livestock Protection Act. The legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations that would remove the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973.
Downing commented on his vote in favor of the bill, stating, “Montanans should be able to secure their herds, crops, and personal safety without fear of undue legal repercussions. As written, the ESA makes the gray wolf out to be a liability to avoid, not a resource to be protected. It is critical that we trust the science and look towards a more precise conservation approach when dealing with unique populations. I was proud to support this measure today and look forward to seeing it signed into law.”
The bill aims to shift management decisions regarding gray wolves away from federal oversight and allow states greater authority over local wildlife management policies.
