FWS Increases Max Penalties for Lacey Act, Endangered Species Violations

The Fish and Wildlife Service is increasing amounts of civil penalties for violations of the laws and regulations it administers, including the Lacey Act and Endangered Species Act, it said in an interim rule (here). The one-time “catch up,” which more than doubles some penalty amounts, was required by the Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, signed into law in November, and will be followed by annual adjustments for inflation. Penalties for certain violations of the Endangered Species Act will rise to nearly $50,000, while some Lacey Act penalties will increase to a maximum of $25,000. The increase takes effect July 28, with comments on the change due Aug. 29.