Dingell, Beyer, Buchanan Recognize Endangered Species Day

U.S. Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) and Don Beyer (D-VA-08), co-chairs of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Caucus, along with Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16), introduced a resolution recognizing Friday, May 15 as Endangered Species Day. The resolution celebrates the strong role that the ESA has played in protecting America's imperiled species and the need for greater conservation efforts to address the ongoing biodiversity crisis.

"The Endangered Species Act is among the most effective conservation legislation ever passed, and its protections are crucial to conserving the species we know and love, like the American bald eagle. It has a 99 percent success rate and has brought back many of our beloved species from the brink of extinction," said Congresswoman Dingell. "Habitat destruction and climate change are accelerating species extinction to alarming rates, and we must continue working to uphold and strengthen the ESA."

"For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has proven to be one of our most successful conservation laws, protecting the wide range of biodiversity that sustains our planet. Thanks to the ESA, iconic species once on the brink of extinction - including the bald eagle, our national symbol - have recovered and once again thrive in the wild. By designating Endangered Species Day, we celebrate these remarkable stories of renewal and resurgence and work to strengthen the ESA so future generations can continue to witness the richness and diversity of America's wildlife," said Congressman Beyer.

"Florida's endangered species are critical to our cultural heritage, our local economy and our way of life. I'm proud to lead this resolution to designate today as 'Endangered Species Day' and to highlight the importance of proactive conservation measures," said Congressman Buchanan.

In the United States and around the world, more than 2,300 species are recognized as at risk of extinction now or in the foreseeable future, and many more are experiencing declines in populations and future viability. Many scientists categorize our planet's current biodiversity crisis as the sixth mass extinction event, with plant and wildlife species across the globe facing heightened risk of extinction that is largely driven by human activity.

Congresswoman Dingell has long worked to protect endangered species across America. As co-chair of the Endangered Species Act Caucus, she has led the charge against the Trump Administration's sweeping rollbacks, demanding the administration withdraw its ESA rule changes and speaking out against efforts to strip federal protections and funding.

View the full text of the resolution HERE.

Learn more about the ESA Caucus HERE.