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WASHINGTON (Oct. 1, 2026)\u2014Humane World Action Fund<\/a>, formerly called Humane Society Legislative Fund, raised concerns today about provisions affecting the Endangered Species Act in the newly released Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act<\/a>, a sweeping Senate permitting package intended to accelerate energy and infrastructure projects.<\/p>\n While Humane World Action Fund is continuing to review the more than 400-page proposal<\/a>, provisions identified in an initial review would rewrite the standard for the \u201cbest scientific and commercial data available\u201d used in Endangered Species Act decisions, shorten timelines for consultations over projects that could affect protected species, alter the role of states in those consultations and change requirements governing judicial review.<\/p>\n Sara Amundson<\/strong><\/a>, president of Humane World Action Fund, said:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe scientific integrity of Endangered Species Act decision-making is at the heart of the law\u2019s success in preventing the extinction of listed species. This proposed rewrite of the \u2018best available science\u2019 standard could give agencies new grounds to unfairly dismiss credible research, including science showing that stronger protections are needed for species at risk. Decisions about whether wildlife needs protection should follow the evidence, not create new opportunities to exclude it.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom rescinding the definition of \u2018harm,\u2019 to narrowing the interpretation of \u2018take,\u2019 and now proposing to rewrite \u2018best available science,\u2019 we are seeing fundamental terms underpinning the Endangered Species Act being reconsidered<\/a> one after another by those who hold power in Washington. Congress should not use a permitting package to weaken the scientific foundation of one of America\u2019s most important wildlife protection laws.\u201d<\/p>\n Media Contact:<\/strong> Liz Bartolomeo, ebartolomeo@humaneaction.org<\/a>, 240-472-0475<\/p>\n<\/div>\n