Endangered Species Act
US only to protect species from harm
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a law passed by the U.S. Congress in 1973 to protect and manage endangered and threatened species and their habitats. The ESA is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The purpose of the ESA is to prevent the extinction of endangered and threatened species and to promote the recovery of those populations that are at risk. The law requires the FWS and NOAA to list species as endangered or threatened and to develop plans for their protection, recovery, and conservation. The law also prohibits the killing, harming, or harassment of listed species and their habitats.
There are several key provisions of the ESA, including:
1. Listing of Species: The FWS and NOAA are responsible for identifying and listing species as endangered or threatened based on scientific data.
2. Critical Habitat: The ESA requires the designation of critical habitat for listed species that is essential for their recovery.
3. Recovery Plans: Once a species is listed, the FWS and NOAA are required to develop and implement recovery plans to improve the status of the species.
4. Section 7 Consultation: Federal agencies are required to consult with the FWS and NOAA to ensure that their actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of listed species.
5. Prohibitions: The ESA prohibits the take, sale, or transportation of listed species, and the destruction or modification of their critical habitat.
6. Citizen Suit: Citizens can sue the government to enforce the ESA if they believe that the law is not being properly implemented.
The ESA has been successful in preventing the extinction of many species and has led to the recovery of others. However, some critics argue that the law is too restrictive on industries and landowners and can result in economic losses. Others argue that the ESA is not doing enough to protect species in the face of climate change and habitat loss. Despite these criticisms, the ESA remains a crucial piece of legislation in the conservation of endangered and threatened species.
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