Bill would require benchmarks and public reports on listed species

The Secretary would set benchmarks for avoiding a threatened or endangered listing and record a baseline when listing a species. The benchmarks cover population conditions, threats, and conservation actions; the baseline covers threats, population size and spread, and habitat condition. Benchmarks must use the best available scientific and commercial data and are required only if the Secretary finds they would encourage voluntary conservation. Petition cases would remain subject to the decision deadlines referenced in the bill. Benchmarks would be set before the listing decision; the baseline would appear in the final rule and reflect conditions at that decision.

Recovery plans would identify priority research questions and measurable milestones, while the Secretary would publish species-by-species progress information. The requirements cover recovery plans and reports for threatened and endangered species, including their population trends, threats, conservation results, and research gaps. Recovery milestones must reflect the law’s listing factors and the best available science. Reports must draw from the latest five-year status review and identify important missing data. The Secretary would report to congressional committees at least once every three years and make each species’ information publicly available.

The Secretary would issue delisting rules for voluntary conservation and could tie selected requirements, permits, and agency measures to recovery milestones. The rules would cover listed species and voluntary conservation carried out with states, private landowners, or others after delisting. Milestone-based flexibility would apply only where the bill allows it, including when the Secretary finds it necessary and advisable or when objective criteria are prudent and can be determined. Delisting rules must explain how officials will judge whether voluntary conservation will last and protect a species into the foreseeable future. The delisting regulations would be due no later than three years after enactment.

The Secretary would use the IPaC online tool to speed agency consultations and study other reviews that technology or AI might speed or automate. The online guides would help agencies check whether a proposed action fits an outcome already set through a broader consultation. Producing additional decision guides would depend on available funding. Any process identified by the study must continue to follow every requirement in the Endangered Species Act. The study would be completed within one year after enactment, followed by a report to Congress.