Sponsors (10)
The bill increases protections and government accountability to conserve manatees and support nearby nature-based economies, but does so at the cost of new restrictions and administrative expenses that affect development, waterfront businesses, and government agencies.
Coastal and freshwater communities and local governments will gain stronger legal protections for manatee habitat and related biodiversity, helping preserve ecosystems and species.
People and businesses that rely on nature-based recreation (boating, wildlife viewing, tourism) will benefit from measures that help stabilize manatee populations and support local nature-based economies.
Federal agencies (and indirectly the public) will get clearer directions and increased accountability because conservation of manatees must be prioritized in permitting and federal actions.
Contractors, utilities, and local governments undertaking development, dredging, or waterway projects may face new restrictions or delays that increase costs and slow projects.
Boat operators and some waterfront businesses will face operational restrictions (e.g., speed zones, access limits) that constrain activities and could reduce revenue.
Federal and state agencies will incur additional administrative and compliance costs to implement recovery plans and consultations, adding budgetary and staffing burdens.
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 directs the Interior Secretary to add it to the ESA list.
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 statutory list of endangered and threatened wildlife. The act only sets the short title and requires the Interior Department to list the manatee as endangered, overriding other laws that might prevent or delay that listing.