Guess who's back? The Endangered Species Act protections! 🌳🐯
In a major win for wildlife, President Biden has restored key protections under the Endangered Species Act that were previously rolled back by the Trump administration. 🦅✨
This legendary act, signed way back in 1973 by President Nixon (yes, that long ago!), has been the superhero cape for animals like the bald eagle and the California condor, saving them from the brink of extinction. 🦅🦇
But in 2019, the previous administration introduced changes that put economic interests first, considering the costs to industries like mining and timber when deciding whether to list a species as threatened or endangered. 💰🛠️
Now, with the new changes announced on Thursday, decisions about protecting species will be based on science rather than dollars. \"These revisions underscore our commitment to using all of the tools available to help halt declines and stabilize populations of the species most at risk,\" said Martha Williams, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 🌿🔬
Not everyone is thrilled, though. Bruce Westerman, the Republican chair of the House Committee on Natural Resources, called the move \"political posturing,\" arguing that the Endangered Species Act is outdated. 😕🏛️
On the flip side, environmental groups are celebrating. John Calvelli from the Wildlife Conservation Society cheered, \"The Biden-Harris administration's steps today to strengthen the Endangered Species Act, ensuring science is at the center of decisions to protect wildlife, is great news for all of nature.\" 🎉🌍
This restoration also brings back the \"blanket rule,\" giving the same level of protection to species listed as threatened as those listed as endangered, when appropriate. It's like giving nature a much-needed power-up! 💪🌱
With an estimated 1 million species at risk of extinction (yikes!), these steps could be a game-changer for our planet's biodiversity. Here's hoping this move helps our animal friends thrive for generations to come! 🐾🌺
Reference(s):
Biden restores endangered species protections rolled back by Trump
cgtn.com
