The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed in December of 1973. It provides for the conservation of ecosystems where endangered animals, fish and plants live. Federal action and the development of state programs through the ESA have resulted in the following actions of the ESA:
- determines and lists species as endangered and threatened;
- polices the unauthorized taking, possession, sale, and transport of endangered species;
- gives the authority to buy land for the conservation of listed endangered species, using land and water conservation funds;
- develops cooperative agreements and grants-in-aid to States that develop and keep up effective programs for endangered and threatened wildlife and plants;
- determines the punishment for violating the Act or regulations; and
- provides rewards for information leading to the arrest and conviction for any violation of the Act.
A number of revision to the ESA have been made over the years some significantly reducing the power held by the Act. Exemptions to section of the Act may be made for national security, economic reasons as well as emergency situations. Your Opinion counts. Endangered species protection is important. Take the time to take part in the following two polls. Add your voice to issues important in the protection of endangered species.
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I’m Teresa Coppens, science geek, book nerd, educator, coffee lovin’ mom with a coconut aversion. My entire family is crazy about science including my cats! I am passionate about the weird and unusual. Here in my cabinet of science curiosities get your science geek on. Grab a cup of your favorite brew, get comfortable at Science Alcove and learn to love your inner science geek!
*Oppose* protecting endangered species? Decisions made by *politicians*? Um, no. Stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.
I don’t think anyone would oppose the protection of endangered species in principal but there are many who would oppose the power an agency might have to determine the use of personal property located in the habitat area of an endangered species.
As for politicians, giving them the power to make decisions is ultimately a disaster but realistically, they most often have to be swayed for policy changes to be made.