Endangered Species Coalition: Protect The Endangered Species Act

Congress is considering H.R. 65, the “Armed Forces Endangered Species Exemption Act.” On the surface, this bill claims to support military readiness. But this bill is an overreach that seriously threatens the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by carving out massive loopholes that put vulnerable wildlife in danger. Military lands are biodiversity strongholds. Many endangered species survive on these lands because they’ve been shielded from the kind of development that destroyed wildlife habitats elsewhere. Stripping ESA protections could devastate already fragile populations. Several endangered or threatened species, such as the Florida panther, California condor, and red wolf, have been found on U.S. military lands. What H.R. 65 would do: Exempt the entire Department of Defense from the ESA; Ban ESA protections on military lands; Eliminate accountability for harming or killing endangered species. Speak out HERE