For 45 years, the Endangered Species Act has provided vital protections for ocean and terrestrial animals alike. From manatees to bald eagles, we owe their continued presence to the ESA. As you are now aware such protections may become critically at risk. Click here to join the Ocean Conservancy and let your voice be heard.
A few links and little background: The Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) was signed on December 28, 1973, and provides for the conservation of species that are endangered or threatened throughout all or a significant portion of their range, and the conservation of the ecosystems on which they depend. The ESA replaced the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969. Congress has amended the ESA several times. Approximately 2,270 species are listed as endangered or threatened under the ESA. Of these species, about 650 are foreign species, found only in areas outside of the U.S. and our waters.
There is much speculation and concern regarding the future of the Endangered Species Act in its current form. Already we are watching such legislation be repeatedly undermined. Last week the Department of Homeland Security issued a notice indicating that it is waiving more than three dozen environmental laws in order to build border wall prototypes along a 15-mile border in the vicinity of San Diego, California. The waived laws include the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water, and the Antiquities Act, freeing the government from costly regulations like environmental reviews.