Changes to Endangered Species Act Require Further Inclusive, Science-Driven Discussions

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The process that led to House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman's (R-Ark.) ESA Amendments Act of 2024 was insufficient to modify the application of one of the nation's most important and critically necessary conservation laws, the Endangered Species Act.

"The Endangered Species Act is one of the most important bedrock conservation laws, particularly in light of the ongoing wildlife crisis. Changes to its application, to prevent extinctions and foster the recovery of at-risk species, requires an inclusive and science-driven debate," said Abby Tinsley, vice president for conservation policy for the National Wildlife Federation. "The discussions and process that yielded this bill, however well intentioned, were insufficient and show that we need much more bipartisan dialogue before taking further action. In the meantime, Congress should focus on providing additional funding for recovering threatened, endangered, and at-risk species through bipartisan measures like the Recovering America's Wildlife Act."