THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT AT 50

Signed by President Nixon in 1973, the Endangered Species Act protects animal and plant species from going extinct through the work of the U.S. Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service after these species have been placed on the list of being endangered or threatened.  Many species have been spared extinction—from bald eagles, grey whales, Grizzly bears, numerous plant species to a tiny minnow.  Perhaps the most noted success of the ESA is the grey wolf’s recovery, especially in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.  The entire ecosystem is healthier because a key predator is thriving. 

Now, fifty years after the start of the Endangered Species Act, more and more species are being under attack.  Quite a few may not make it while waiting to be listed.  The funding is just not adequate to meet the needs.  To remedy this situation there has been  a bipartisan effort to put more money into action plans to rescue species that are in danger.  The new funding bill is called Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. Unfortunately, the bill failed last January, but has been reintroduced to the present congress.  It faces uncertainty once again.

If passed, the bill will fund conservation efforts with $1.4 billion in annual funding.  Also, for the first time, tribal nations will be given $97.5 million  for conservation efforts on more than 140 million acres of land. Recovery efforts will be guided by state wildlife plans which include more prevention projects (like local and state partnerships for native pollinator planting along highways)  Also, the process of listing of endangered and threatened species will be brought up to meet the need.

The passing of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act will continue the legacy of the Endangered Species Act with enough funding into the next 50 years.

Earth Steward Action:  Write congress in support of RAWA.

Sources:  National Wildlife Federation 2023 Fall Magazine, pages 23-37. “ESA at 50” by Brianna Randall. And https://www.ournatureusa.com (information on RAWA and how to support this bill).