790. New Report Proves the Endangered Species Act Works

By Kierán Suckling, Center for Biological Diversity, May 19, 2012

Today the Center for Biological Diversity is launching a groundbreaking report, and I wanted you to be the first to know.



In time for Endangered Species Day tomorrow, the report, On Time, On Target: How the Endangered Species Act Is Saving America's Wildlife, is a powerful new review of the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act.

We took an in-depth look at 110 protected species from all 50 states -- from whales and sea turtles to foxes and whooping cranes -- to determine how well the Act is working for them.



The results are stunning: 90 percent of the studied species are recovering right on time to meet recovery goals set by federal scientists.



Our study is a potent rebuke of recent critiques by right-wing politicians who deem the Act a failure. In fact, it's just the opposite. We found that, again and again, wildlife and plants from every corner of the country are being saved from extinction and placed squarely on the road to recovery by the Endangered Species Act.



You can check out species in your area on this new interactive regional map of the 110 species.



In less than an hour I'll be hosting a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to reveal the findings of this report and talk about next steps.



I've been in D.C. all week meeting with some of the federal government's top wildlife officials and congressional staffers to discuss our results, which can be found at our website, www.ESAsuccess.org. I'll also be sharing the report with other environmental groups so that we can work together to ensure it directly helps endangered species.



Over the past few months, I've devoted myself to the research and analysis needed to make this report a unique, in-depth study of our country's most powerful wildlife law. I was able to do that because of the incredible knowledge and dedication of the scientists and other staff at the Center -- and your ongoing activism and support for our work. 



Ultimately, the report should transform our national conversation about the strength and success of the Endangered Species Act, giving the Act solid protection from those who want to tear it down.



This is a great moment for all of us who care deeply for endangered plants and animals. My thanks to you and the many Center staff who helped bring this project home.  



I encourage you to read the report at www.ESAsuccess.org and share this important step forward on Facebook and Twitter.



You can download a PDF of the 16-page report  here.