Overview
- The House of Representatives voted 216-195 to repeal the endangered species listing for the San Francisco Bay-Delta longfin smelt, citing water supply concerns.
- The resolution, introduced by Rep. Doug LaMalfa under the Congressional Review Act, now awaits Senate approval and President Trump's signature.
- Opponents, including environmental groups, argue the resolution violates procedural deadlines, claiming the review period expired in January.
- The longfin smelt population has declined by over 99% since the 1980s, with federal protections requiring freshwater flows that conflict with agricultural and urban water demands.
- If enacted, the resolution would prevent the fish from being re-listed as endangered in the future, intensifying debates over environmental policy and water management in California.