House · HJRES 78 · 119th Congress
Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service relating to "Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of the Longfin Smelt".
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Summary
This resolution cancels a federal rule that labeled the San Francisco Bay-Delta longfin smelt as an endangered species. That rule was issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in July 2024. If this resolution passes, the smelt loses its legal protections under the Endangered Species Act.
In Favor
ESA protections for the longfin smelt have forced pump cutbacks on California's State Water Project and Central Valley Project. Those restrictions reduce water deliveries to farms and cities in a drought-prone state, fallowing cropland and straining urban water supplies. Removing the endangered listing restores pumping flexibility and lets water managers send more water to agricultural and municipal users who need it.
Against
The longfin smelt population in the Bay-Delta has dropped sharply over recent decades. Stripping its endangered status removes legal limits that kept water use from harming the fish further. Critics warn that without those limits, the species could decline toward extinction with no safety net.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This resolution cancels a 2024 federal rule that listed the San Francisco Bay-Delta longfin smelt as an endangered species. Canceling the rule removes the fish from protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The resolution targets only the July 2024 rule on the San Francisco Bay-Delta longfin smelt. All provisions stay on that single topic.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
The resolution affects the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which issued the original rule. It also affects any person, business, or agency that faced duties under the endangered species listing.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The resolution does not authorize or appropriate any federal funds. It removes an existing rule, which would end federal agency duties tied to enforcing that rule.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
Once canceled, the rule cannot be reissued in the same form without new congressional action. Carrying out the cancellation requires the Fish and Wildlife Service to stop enforcing the listing.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 7/23/2026