California lawmakers reject grizzly bear reintroduction study

California lawmakers have blocked a proposal that would have investigated the feasibility of reintroducing grizzly bears to the state. The Assembly Appropriations Committee declined to advance Senate Bill 1305, also known as the California Grizzly Restoration Act, without public testimony or debate.

Proposed by State Senator Laura Richardson, the legislation would have directed the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to develop a roadmap evaluating the conditions necessary for a potential return of the species. Supporters, including several Native American tribes and environmental organizations, argued that a study could help restore degraded ecosystems and address the historical eradication of the animals, which were eliminated from the state by the 1920s.

The bill faced significant opposition from ranchers, hunting groups, and rural communities. Critics expressed concerns regarding public safety and the management of livestock, noting that California already faces challenges managing existing predators like gray wolves, mountain lions, and black bears. Additionally, the proposal lacked a clear funding mechanism for the estimated $5.2 million required for the initial research phase.