The proposed US Fish & Wildlife “Categorical Exclusion” (CatX) from NEPA mandates is too far reaching and without precedent. It could facilitate the arbitrary addition of animals to the injurious wildlife list of the Lacey Act; potentially threatening the entire $1.4 billion annual commerce in reptiles and amphibians. Not only would it negate due process, but it would also negate legal recourse under NEPA. Categorical Exclusion could potentially become a tool to destroy my small business.
Furthermore, it infringes on responsible animal lovers' freedom to keep the pets that they choose.