Rep. Bentz Introduces Bill to Stop Endangered Species Rules From Affecting Flood Insurance
Homeowners in flood-prone areas could see faster updates to flood maps and insurance rates because the government wouldn't need to go through lengthy environmental reviews first. However, removing habitat protections from local land-use rules could encourage more building in ecologically sensitive floodplains, potentially increasing long-term flood risk and insurance costs for existing homeowners.
“Section 7(a) of the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1536(a)) shall not apply to any actions by the Administrator pursuant to sections 1305(c), 1306, 1360, 1361(c), 1363 of this title, and section 100216 of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012.”
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
The U.S. House is considering legislation to stop applying Endangered Species Act provisions to the NFIP. The bill directs wildlife agencies to withdraw existing biological opinions that Rep. Cliff Bentz claims 'pervert and misdirect' the program's focus on protecting property and human life.
Rep. Cliff Bentz is sponsoring the National Flood Insurance Program Clarification Act of 2026, which would exempt FEMA from ESA consultation requirements. The bill aims to prevent the use of flood insurance as a vehicle for land-use mandates and ensure the program focuses on property protection.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
National Flood Insurance Program Clarification Act of 2026
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