Press Releases

Today, Rep. Mike Johnson (LA-04) introduced H.R. 6346, the Weigh Habitats Offsetting Locational Effects Act OF 2018 (WHOLE Act), to ease the difficulties farmers and ranchers face when bearing the brunt of undue burdens placed on agriculture. His bill modernizes the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by requiring the appropriate agency to consider the totality of conservation measures already in place when determining whether a potential federal action will jeopardize species or habitat loss. 

Rep. Johnson released the following statement:

“The ESA has been exploited for decades placing unnecessary burdens on our nation’s hard-working farmers and ranchers. And while protecting wildlife and their habitats is of the utmost importance, the agriculture community is already proactively and heavily involved in conservation programs that implement critical protections for both. My bill helps modernize the ESA so we can continue to protect endangered species and let our farmers and ranchers get back to what they do best - providing a safe, sustainable food source for the American people.”

House Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) released the following statement:

“There is a growing consensus that the Endangered Species Act needs to be reformed. Farmers and ranchers have been one of the main victims of this antiquated law, and this bill takes the necessary steps towards finding a solution. I thank Rep. Johnson for his hard work on this issue.”