Dive Into Democracy: Defend the Endangered Species Act
By: Thomas Hynes
Recent changes to the federal definition of “harm” within the Endangered Species Act have left countless species and their habitats vulnerable. Developers can now change a habitat without having to ensure that protected animals can still live there. This redefinition of “harm” removes a necessary protection for imperiled wildlife habitats on private land.
This outrageous rollback is built upon a false premise that a vulnerable species can survive without their home. Not only is this redefinition in conflict with how the law has defined harm for decades, it is in conflict with basic common sense.
The good news is Congress is currently considering bills that would reverse this disastrous rule, and restore protection that has existed under the law.
Will you take a moment to urge Congress to protect endangered species and their habitats?
The Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973 with nearly unanimous bipartisan support. In the subsequent half century, numerous species – including the American bison, peregrine falcons, humpback whales, and hundreds of others – have recovered from the brink of extinction. While there is admittedly still so much work to do protecting endangered species, the Endangered Species Act has been a huge success.
All of that can be undone if this farcical definition of harm remains in place as there is no way to protect a species without also protecting its habitat.
Tell your member of Congress to support H.R. 9901, the Safeguarding the Endangered Species Act, and S.J. Res. 204, to restore the commonsense definition of harm.
Congress must not cave to special interests seeking to diminish the Endangered Species Act.
Tell Congress they must protect endangered species and their vital habitats!