The Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries conducted an oversight hearing on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) today. The session focused on reviewing how the MBTA is implemented and its impact on both wildlife and various American industries.
Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) stated, “House Republicans are reclaiming Congress’s role in reviewing broad environmental statutes enforced by the administrative state. The MBTA is another prime example of a law passed with good intentions reaping real-world consequences. Congress must reexamine the MBTA to ensure the protection of migratory birds without unleashing damaging species on American industries.”
Republicans on the House Committee on Natural Resources have made it a priority to review and update major permitting and environmental laws, including the MBTA. While migratory birds play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting economic activities, there has been concern about unchecked population growth of certain species. Species such as black vultures and double-crested cormorants have caused significant financial losses for agriculture and aquaculture producers, particularly small businesses.
There are calls to update conservation laws to reduce harm from these bird populations. Lawmakers are also considering improvements to how the MBTA allows for management actions that address impacts not only on people but also other wildlife, including threatened or endangered species.
Recent years have seen regulatory changes regarding incidental take under the MBTA shift between presidential administrations and federal court decisions. This has created uncertainty for sectors like electric utilities, which face higher costs and increased wildfire risks due to this lack of regulatory clarity.
For additional details about the hearing, information can be found at https://naturalresources.house.gov/hearings/oversight-of-the-migratory-bird-treaty-act.
