Scientifically Identifying the Need for Critical Habitat Act

Executive Comment Requested from Interior.

Congressional Research Service

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 25, 2003

Scientifically Identifying the Need for Critical Habitat Act - Amends the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to change from mandatory to discretionary the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to designate critical habitat of an endangered or threatened species.

Directs the Secretary, when required by the Act to use the best scientific and commercial data available, in evaluating comparable data to give greater weight to such data that is empirical or has been field-tested or peer-reviewed.

Specifies requirements for the use of sound science in the listing of endangered or threatened species such as: (1) the establishment of criteria for scientific studies to support the listing; (2) use of data obtained by observation of the species in the field; and (3) use of data from landowners who have observed such species on their land. Requires the use of sound science in the preparation of a recovery plan for an endangered or threatened species.

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Sets forth requirements for: (1) peer review before certain action can become final with respect to endangered or threatened species; and (2) use of information provided by States affected by such species or their habitat for recovery plans.

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People & committees

Who introduced it

Rep. Otter, C. L. (Butch) [R-ID-1] · R–ID

Committees

Natural Resources Committee

8 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Legislative record

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

Jul 1, 2003
Executive Comment Requested from Interior.
Jun 25, 2003
Referred to the House Committee on Resources.
Jun 25, 2003
Introduced in House
Jun 25, 2003
Introduced in House

Primary sources

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Introduced in House · Jun 25, 2003 Formatted Text PDF

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 18, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.2602 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Discuss H.R.2602, 108th Congress: Scientifically Identifying the Need for Critical Habitat Act

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/house-bill/2602

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 2003-06-25.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/108/bills/hr2602/BILLS-108hr2602ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-08-18T19:03:54Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Analyze H.R.2602 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.2602 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.2602, 108th Congress: Scientifically Identifying the Need for Critical Habitat Act

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/house-bill/2602

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 2003-06-25.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/108/bills/hr2602/BILLS-108hr2602ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-08-18T19:03:54Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.R.2602 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.2602 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.2602, 108th Congress: Scientifically Identifying the Need for Critical Habitat Act

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/house-bill/2602

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 2003-06-25.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/108/bills/hr2602/BILLS-108hr2602ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-08-18T19:03:54Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.R.2602 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.2602 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.2602, 108th Congress: Scientifically Identifying the Need for Critical Habitat Act

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/108th-congress/house-bill/2602

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 2003-06-25.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/108/bills/hr2602/BILLS-108hr2602ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-08-18T19:03:54Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.R.2602 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.