Sponsors (12)
The bill strengthens protections for manatees and coastal waterways—boosting biodiversity and supporting local nature-based economies—while imposing new restrictions, costs, and administrative burdens on development projects, agencies, and some waterfront users.
Coastal and freshwater ecosystems, including manatee habitat, will receive stronger legal protections, helping preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services for nearby communities.
Residents and businesses that rely on nature-based tourism and recreation (boating, wildlife viewing) will benefit from more stable manatee populations, supporting local recreation and tourism economies.
Federal and state agencies will be required to prioritize manatee conservation in permitting and actions, increasing government accountability and coordination around protecting threatened waterways.
Utilities, energy companies, contractors, and local governments may face new restrictions, project delays, and higher costs for dredging or waterfront development.
Boat operators and waterfront businesses will face operational limits (e.g., speed zones, access limits), reducing recreational use and potentially harming some livelihoods.
Federal and state agencies will incur additional administrative and compliance costs to implement recovery plans and consultations.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the West Indian manatee to be listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act and added to the ESA list.
Official title: To designate the West Indian manatee as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 3, 2025 by Vernon G. Buchanan · Last progress January 3, 2025
Designates the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act and directs the Secretary of the Interior to add the species to the ESA’s official list. The bill is limited: it provides the short title and then requires the manatee be listed as endangered, overriding any conflicting provision of law.