1. One Perspective on an effort to improve the implementation of the Endangered Species Act
David Bernhardt

2. Decision-making in Context
Law
Facts/Data
Policy Discretion/Judgement

3. Statute
4(a)(1) says “[t]he Secretary shall by regulation promulgated in accordance with subsection (b) determine whether any species is an endangered species or a threatened species because of any of the following factors:
the present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range;
overutilization for commercial, recreational, scientific, or educational purposes;
disease or predation;
the inadequacy of existing regulatory mechanisms; or
other natural or manmade factors affecting its continued existence.

4. Statute Identified basis for decision
Determination must be: “[solely on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available to him after conducting a review of the status of the species and after taking into account those efforts, if any, being made by any State or foreign nation, or any political subdivision of a State or foreign nation, to protect such species, whether by predator control, protection of habitat and food supply, or other conservation practices, within any area under its jurisdiction, or on the high seas

5. Application of Statute requires application of Discretion/ Judgement
The term “threatened species” means any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.

6. Policy Discretion/Judgement
Optimal Outcome
Law
Facts/Data
Policy Discretion/Judgement

7. Highlights of Joint Endangered Species Act Proposed Revisions to the
Regulations --Full Presentation Available at .

8. Background Section 4 of the Act Section 7 of the Act
Provides for how to add and remove species from the Federal lists of threatened and endangered species
Provides procedures for designating critical habitat
Implementing regulations are at 50 CFR 424
Addresses protective regulations for threatened species (i.e., 4(d) rules)
Section 7 of the Act
Provides requirements for Federal agency cooperation and consultation procedures
Implementing regulations are at 50 CFR 402
Section 9 of the Act
Establishes prohibitions for listed species
Implementing regulations are at 50 CFR 17

9. Proposed Changes to 50 CFR 424
Listing, Delisting, or Reclassifying species
Creates a regulatory framework for the phrase “foreseeable future”
Clarifies that the standard for listing and delisting of species is the same
Removes reference to economic or other impacts in classification decisions

10. Proposed Changes to 50 CFR 424
Criteria for Designating Critical Habitat
Clarifies when designation of critical habitat may not be prudent
Revises the process and standards for designation of unoccupied critical habitat

11. Proposed Changes -- 50 CFR 402
The proposed revisions would:
Address alternative consultation mechanisms
Revise the definitions of “destruction or adverse modification” and “effects of the action”
Address certainty of mitigation proposed by action agencies
Seeks comment on mechanisms that might further improve the consultation process

12. My Perspective Expect we will get a great many other ideas in comments
Took decades of experience between two agencies and asked regarding section 4 and 7 what can be improved.
Best practices adopted (FWS special 4(d) rules)
Innovative ideas put forward (new approaches to consultation – reductions in paperwork)
Effort to provide greater defeasibility, clarity and reduce unnecessary burdens
Specifically asking for broad range of commentary and other ideas
Better conservation outcomes and less conflict mean resources have greater focus on collaboration

13. Comment on or before September 24, 2018 Questions?