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 Today, Rep. Ron Estes (R–Kansas) introduced the Promoting Local Management of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken Act. This legislation upholds Kansas energy producers and ranchers’ rights to preserve their land.

“Kansas energy producers and ranchers are excellent stewards of land and resources,” said Rep. Estes on the House floor. “They work tirelessly to feed, fuel and clothe our nation while taking voluntary, proactive measures to protect the lesser prairie-chicken's habitat. (The lesser prairie-chicken’s) inclusion on the threatened and endangered species list is detrimental to our robust ag and energy industries, blatant bureaucratic overreach and is another example of the Biden administration hindering American energy independence.”

Rep. Estes’ bill recognizes the proactive measures taken by Kansans to preserve the lesser prairie-chicken’s habitat and ensures that their protection is under local control.

Watch Rep. Estes' Floor Speech

Full Remarks:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Promoting Local Management of the Lesser Prairie–Chicken Act.

Kansas energy producers and ranchers are excellent stewards of land and the resources. They work tirelessly to feed, fuel and clothe our nation while taking voluntary, proactive measures to protect the lesser prairie-chicken's habitat.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's inclusion of the lesser prairie-chicken on the threatened and endangered species lists is nonfactual and disregards the preservation efforts of our energy producers and ranchers who best know their land.

After a yearlong species status assessment, the federal government spent millions to conclude that the lesser prairie-chicken population is stable and has grown.

Its inclusion on the threatened and endangered species list is detrimental to our robust ag and energy industries, blatant bureaucratic overreach and is another example of the Biden administration hindering American energy independence.

My legislation stops Washington elites from undermining voluntary public-private conservation practices and ensures Kansans control our land.

Thank you and I yield back.