Bill > HR2293

This bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to reissue a previously existing depredation order (a regulation that allows specific actions to control wildlife) related to double-crested cormorants at aquaculture facilities. The reissued order will expand the geographic scope to include additional states like California, Colorado, and others, and will now also apply to lake and pond managers. The bill updates the original order by incorporating modern terminology, simplifying compliance requirements with federal laws, modernizing recordkeeping standards, and removing the original order's expiration date of June 30, 2014. The Secretary must renew the order at least every five years. Importantly, the bill does not waive the Secretary's obligations under environmental protection laws like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The bill defines key terms such as "lake manager" and "pond manager" as individuals licensed by state regulatory agencies to manage private lakes and ponds, respectively. The overall aim appears to be providing more flexible and comprehensive wildlife management options for aquaculture facilities dealing with cormorant-related challenges.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2293/all-info