Threat of Project Delays Forces Postponement of Long-Eared Bat Declaration

What happened: Citing the likelihood of project delays, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Jan. 25 postponed until March 31 declaring the northern long-eared bat an ‘endangered species.’

Why it Matters: Originally scheduled to take effect Jan. 30, the declaration triggers new regulatory requirements under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), allowing the federal government to set aside land deemed ‘critical’ to the bat’s survival. Since its habitat covers 37 states, development – including transportation construction – will be greatly restricted. FWS acknowledged it was aware of 3,095 projects, including road and bridge work, which ‘will likely experience project delays,’ reinforcing ARTBA’s position.

What’s next: FWS said it needs more time to finalize guidance documents, which are ‘currently under development.’