Preservation of Endangered Species Act obligations

(a) Federal responsibility for pallid sturgeon recovery (1) In general The Secretary and the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service shall retain exclusive responsibility for fulfilling obligations relating to the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) with respect to the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel. (2) No obligation on the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation District or the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project The Lower Yellowstone Irrigation District and the Lower Yellowstone Irrigation Project shall not be required to perform, fund, or participate in any activities mandated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) relating to the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel or pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) conservation associated with the Lower Yellowstone Fish Bypass Channel. (b) Coordination with State and Federal Agencies The Secretary shall coordinate with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and other relevant agencies to ensure proper conservation measures for the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) without burdening private or local irrigation operations.