IDAHO – On Thursday, Idaho Governor Brad Little notified the Biden Administration of his intention to sue the federal government for “its failure to uphold the law and make a required finding on the State of Idaho’s petition to remove grizzly bears from the endangered species list.”
According to the IDFG, the population of Grizzlies has grown from a few hundred back in 1975, to currently over 2,000 bears across the four states.
“Idaho’s entire congressional delegation and I are lockstep in our demand for answers from the federal government about grizzly bear delisting,” said Governor Little. “Idaho has continually demonstrated leadership in species management, and we expect the federal government to uphold its duties in providing clarity around issues that greatly impact a variety of activities on the ground in our state.”
Over 10 months ago, Idaho petitioned for delisting the “lower-48” grizzly bear because it does not qualify as a “species” under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Under the ESA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) was required to make a 90-day finding by June 7, 2022, but failed to do so.
In Thursday’s letter sent to the secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior and director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Governor Little said, “USFWS has provided only vague excuses and evasive answers as to why the agency has not made an initial determination on Idaho’s petition. USFWS’ lack of transparency on this subject has persisted, despite requests to discuss this subject at various meetings… In November 2022, Idaho’s entire congressional delegation sent a letter to USFWS Director Williams urging response to Idaho’s petition and requesting a status report from USFWS. The delegation’s letter remains unanswered.”
The Governor’s letter notifying the Biden Administration of the State of Idaho’s intent to sue can be viewed HERE.
