Congress considers halting the National Flood Insurance Program from using Endangered Species Act
By Terry Murry on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives is considering legislation that will stop applying the provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to the National Flood Insurance Program. The bill clarifies that ESA consultation requirements do not apply to flood insurance.
Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ontario) introduced the bill, saying the insurance program needs to remain focused on protecting property and human life from flood risk. The legislation directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to withdraw existing biological opinions which “pervert and misdirect” the purpose of the program.
One of the supporters is Oregon Home Builders Association Chief Executive Officer Jodi Hack.
“We have long been advocates for common-sense regulations that protect our country’s natural resources and provide regulatory certainty for home builders and developers to help create much-needed housing,” Hack said.
Pendleton Mayor McKennon McDonald also supports the bill.
“While we strongly support efforts to protect fish and restore habitat, litigation has misused the Endangered Species Act to impose overly-broad restrictions that threaten our ability to serve local residents,” she said.
