TL/DR –
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) turns 50 and has been crucial in saving hundreds of American plants and animals, such as the American bald eagle, the brown pelican, the peregrine falcon, and the Atlantic sturgeon, from extinction. However, the ESA’s effectiveness is hindered by inadequate funding, limited time, and detrimental politics. The act lists over 1,300 species, and steps must be taken to improve its effectiveness, as each listed species plays a key role in preventing the collapse of key pillars within ecosystems.
The Endangered Species Act at 50
The Endangered Species Act (ESA), celebrating its 50th anniversary, is the world’s most comprehensive law for the protection of endangered plants and animals. The American bald eagle and James River’s Atlantic sturgeon are among the many species saved by the ESA. Despite its success, issues like inadequate funding and politics plague its effectiveness.
The ESA Process
Individuals or organizations can propose a species for listing under the ESA. If a species is listed as threatened or endangered, the federal agency develops a recovery plan. However, the listing process is time-intensive, often leaving species at risk.
ESA Protections and Challenges
Once a species is listed as endangered, it’s protected against harm without a permit from the federal agency. This law helped protect species from construction projects like the now-defunct Atlantic Coast Pipeline. However, challenges like slow listing times, limited funding for recovery plans, and damaging political decisions occasionally undermine ESA’s effectiveness.
Impact of ESA
The ESA lists over 1,300 species, each potential key to ecosystem balance. However, endangerment continues unabated for many species. For instance, the green ash, white ash and black ash trees are critically endangered but not even candidates for USFWS listing.
Politics has also hampered ESA. For example, Congress exempted the Mountain Valley Pipeline from environmental laws, putting endangered species like the Roanoke logperch and candy darter at risk. The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 greenlit the pipeline, bypassing judicial review, despite legal challenges.
Preserving Biodiversity
Rep. Leonor Sullivan, during the endorsement of the ESA bill in 1973, highlighted the importance of minimizing losses of genetic variations as they are potential resources. Every piece of the puzzle counts in preserving biodiversity. Staying informed and voting for conservation through legislators is crucial.
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