This bill changes how the Endangered Species Act handles conflicts with federal projects. It lets a federal agency, the Governor of the state where a project would happen, or a permit or license applicant ask for an exemption if following the usual wildlife protections would violate the law, or if the changes needed to comply could harm national security or cause serious national or regional economic damage.

Before an exemption can move forward, the Secretary must confirm the parties tried in good faith to find safer alternatives and did required reviews. If the request is based on security or economic harm, the Secretary must also consult the National Security Council and the National Economic Council and include their analysis. An exemption may be granted if there are no reasonable alternatives, or if the needed alternatives to comply could impair national security or lead to significant adverse national or regional economic impacts .

• Who is affected: federal agencies, state governors, and permit or license applicants involved in projects that trigger Endangered Species Act reviews.
• What changes: adds national security and significant national or regional economic harm as reasons to seek an exemption; requires consultation with the National Security Council and the National Economic Council; and sets findings the Secretary must make .
• When: would take effect by amending section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, if enacted.