Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced three proposed rules that would greatly dismantle crucial provisions of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Born Free USA, a leading national wildlife conservation nonprofit, strongly opposes these proposed changes that would not only undermine key portions of the ESA, but also weaken protections for our most imperiled wildlife.
Among other harmful provisions, the sweeping proposal made today by the Trump administration allows for economic impacts to be fully evaluated when making listing decisions; eliminates the “blanket 4(d) rule,” removing protections from species listed as “threatened” unless the FWS proactively writes a special rule prohibiting lethal take or commercial exploitation; and, narrows and restricts the consultation process under Section 7 of the ESA.
Prashant Khetan, Born Free USA CEO and General Counsel, says: “With these proposed rules, President Trump and Secretary Zinke have taken another step in eroding protections for our most valuable and imperiled species and habitats in order to benefit exploitative industries and special interests. The Endangered Species Act is our nation’s most effective and popular wildlife protection law, and we must ensure it stays strong. The ESA has prevented more than 99 percent of listed species from going extinct, a track record of success that few other laws can boast. If the Trump administration truly wants to ‘improve’ the ESA, it should urge Congress to fully fund the ESA and recovery efforts for endangered and threatened species.”
About Born Free USA
Born Free USA, a national 501(c)(3), believes that every individual animal matters. Inspired by the Academy Award®-winning film Born Free, the organization works locally, nationally, and internationally on the conservation frontlines, in communities, classrooms, courtrooms, and the halls of Congress, to end wild animal cruelty and suffering, and protect threatened wildlife.
Launched in 2002, Born Free USA was inspired by Virginia McKenna and her (late) husband Bill Travers, who, along with their son, Will, founded The Born Free Foundation (UK) in 1984. Their experience in Kenya filming the classic 1966 Academy Award®-winning film Born Free, the story of Joy and George Adamson’s fight to successfully return Elsa the lioness to a wild and free life, launched the couple’s “compassionate conservation” movement, aimed at keeping wildlife in the wild. This movement continues to motivate millions of followers and activists across the globe. In 2007, Born Free USA merged with the Animal Protection Institute.
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