EMA Supports House Bill to Reform Endangered Species Act

Arlington, Va., March 10, 2026 – Today, the Essential Minerals Association (EMA) announced its support for the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act of 2025, which was introduced by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources.

“The Endangered Species Act has been weaponized into a costly barrier for U.S. industry while also having little success in recovering species,” said Chris Greissing, EMA president. “The minerals industry firmly supports conservation and protection measures; however, it’s clear that stringent regulations don’t promote species recovery. It’s time for commonsense reform that implements practical protections while promoting greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species. This bill seeks to do just that, and we look forward to working with Congress to ensure this bill is passed into law.”

The legislation updates the ESA, which was first signed into law more than 50 years ago. This bill establishes clear statutory definitions, focusing on species recovery and streamlining the ESA permitting process. The legislation also provides incentives for the recovery of listed species, promotes accountability for agency actions, and creates a backstop against frivolous litigation.

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The Essential Minerals Association (EMA) is the representative voice for companies that extract and process a vital and beneficial group of raw materials and minerals, which are the essential ingredients for many of the products used in everyday life. EMA ensures that the voices of its member companies and the socio-economic benefits they provide – from mining to end-use products – are heard by government leaders as well as the general public. Visit essentialminerals.org to learn more.