Se Colorado News

The Pet and Livestock Protection Act, introduced by Representatives Lauren Boebert and Tom Tiffany, has made significant progress with its passage through the House Natural Resources Committee. The committee voted 24-17 in favor, moving the bill closer to consideration on the House floor.

The legislation aims to remove the gray wolf from the Endangered Species List, enabling states to manage their wolf populations independently. "I'm very excited to see PALPA take another step towards being signed into law, which will be a huge victory for our ranchers, farmers, and landowners in Colorado and across America,” stated Boebert. Congressman Tiffany emphasized the environmental and economic impact, commenting, “The damage to pets, livestock, and wildlife from an unmanaged wolf population can no longer be ignored."

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman supported the initiative, asserting that the act would restore state management of the gray wolf. Bonnie Eddy, from the Colorado Wool Growers Association, highlighted the flexibility the bill would provide farmers in managing wolf populations.

Keith Mark, founder of Hunter Nation, praised the committee's decision as a victory for hunters, noting, “The best part of this legislation is the provision that prevents judicial review of the legislative action." Meanwhile, Mike Clark of the Colorado Conservation Alliance expressed that the bill is crucial for energy production on Colorado's Western Slope.

The act requires the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a 2020 ruling that removed the gray wolf's endangered status, preventing court challenges. Over 30 Members of Congress co-sponsored the bill, with backing from various agricultural and wildlife organizations.

Proponents argue this act addresses overpopulation concerns while respecting scientific conservation success.