WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) said the following upon news that the Trump administration is delisting the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in the lower 48 states and returning management and protection of gray wolves to states and tribes following successful recovery efforts:

“I’m pleased the Trump administration is listening to guidance from wildlife experts and scientific data and delisting gray wolves from the Endangered Species Act. I’ve fought for Wisconsin’s farmers, ranchers, hunters, and land owners to delist the gray wolf through multiple pieces of legislation and amendments since 2015, but Congress has repeatedly failed to act. Though the administration’s decision is the right one, it will undoubtedly face legal challenges from irrational activists as past attempts at delisting have. To ensure this policy isn’t obstructed, Congress must do its job and act to codify it.”

Sen. Johnson has worked to remove the gray wolf from the endangered species list in the western Great Lakes region since 2015 when he introduced legislation with former Rep. Reid Ribble (WI-8) to address the issue. The gray wolf maintains a stable and growing population with an expanding territory in Wisconsin. A brief explanation of the issue from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service can be found here.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email