Recent Legislation Could Impact Ivory Ban

July 7, 2014

Bills have been introduced in the House and Senate to maintain the regulation of ivory-containing musical instruments and other products as such rules existed on February 24, 2014, the day prior to the issuance of Fish and Wildlife Service Director's Order 210.  The House version of the "Lawful Ivory Protection Act" (H.R. 5052) was introduced by Rep. Steve Daines (R-MT); the Senate bill (S. 2587) was introduced by Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN).

The legislation would also limit the impact of proposed rules which FWS plans to issue for public comment later this year.

No hearings were immediately announced, although the House Fisheries Subcommittee did hold a June 24 hearing on the impact of the FWS proposals. Click here to watch. 

Meanwhile, a House appropriations subcommittee has approved a fiscal year 2015 funding bill for the Department of the Interior, which specifically withholds funds to implement any new ivory rules with a retroactive impact.