President Biden faced a heckling incident during a speech in Arizona on Thursday when a climate activist called for the president to declare a climate emergency. The incident occurred as Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., introduced legislation to block a federal proposal to release grizzly bears in a forest area in his state. The proposed rule by the Department of the Interior and the draft environmental impact statement (EIS) by the National Park Service (NPS) and Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) has faced criticism from local lawmakers and residents.
The legislation introduced by Rep. Newhouse aims to force the withdrawal of the proposed rule and draft EIS, which would allow the release of grizzly bears in the federally-managed North Cascades National Park in northern Washington. Newhouse expressed concerns about the introduction of apex predators into the North Cascades Ecosystem and called for a withdrawal of the proposal to ensure the safety of local communities.
The Biden administration’s proposal, unveiled last month, includes three options: two involving the restoration of grizzly bear populations and one maintaining current management practices. The plan invites public comments on the proposed actions until mid-November. It aims to release up to seven grizzly bears annually into the North Cascades ecosystem over the next five to ten years, with the goal of establishing a population of roughly 200 bears in the coming decades.
Grizzly bears were an essential part of the North Cascades ecosystem for thousands of years, but aggressive hunting practices in the 20th century led to their near-extinction. The last confirmed sighting of a grizzly bear in the ecosystem was in 1996. Killing a grizzly bear in Washington can result in significant fines and penalties due to their federally threatened and state-listed endangered status.
Local lawmakers, including the commissioners of Chelan County, Washington, have voiced opposition to the reintroduction of grizzly bears, citing concerns about public safety, economic development, recreation opportunities, and the livelihood of rural communities. Plans for grizzly bear restoration in the North Cascades date back to the Obama administration, but the Trump administration decided against it following opposition from Rep. Newhouse and others.
Former Interior Secretary David Bernhardt previously stated that grizzly bears were not in danger of extinction and that existing populations could be effectively managed. However, following litigation from environmental groups, the Biden administration announced a review of restoration efforts, leading to the recent proposal.
Environmental organizations have urged the restoration of grizzly bears, highlighting successful coexistence efforts in the Rocky Mountains and other regions. They emphasize the use of nonlethal tools, such as bear-resistant trash cans and electric fences, to prevent conflicts between humans and bears.
The incident during President Biden’s speech highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the reintroduction of grizzly bears in the North Cascades. As the public comment period continues, stakeholders will express their concerns and opinions on the proposed actions, ultimately shaping the fate of grizzly bears in the region.
Thomas Catenacci is a politics writer for Digital, providing the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content.
