Newhouse Calls On Interior To “Follow The Science” When It Comes To Gray Wolves

Last week, Dan Newhouse, chair of the Western Caucus, joined 20 of his House Republican colleagues in introducing the Trust the Science Act, which looks to strengthen state management of the gray wolf. The legislation would require the Department of the Interior to reissue the 2020 final rule delisting the gray wolf from the list of endangered species in the lower 48 states. In addition the Act would ensures that the reissuance of the final rule will not be subject to judicial review. Newhouse noted the Endangered Species Act has limited resources, and using those funds to focus on the gray wolf is not wise management.

“It’s been proven and the decision was made that the gray wolf is a true success story and putting it back on the threatened and endangered list detracts from our ability as a country to focus on those other species that truly need our help.”

Newhouse added the mix of federal and state management creates additional problems for the growing number of ranchers across the west reporting problems with wolves.

“Having the confusion that it has created by going back and forth like this does nothing to help the wolf or the people that are trying to coexist with it.  So, I think this is an unfortunate setback backwards and I fully support this effort to rely on the science.  Let’s rely on the science based decisions that have already been made.”

Newhouse pointed out that in Washington alone, there are at least 206 known wolves in 33 known packs, including at least 19 breeding pairs.

Click Here to read the entire Trust the Science Act.

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