WWF Statement on Future of the Endangered Species Act

In light of the ongoing debate about the future of the Endangered Species Act, WWF issued the following statement from Leigh Henry, Director, Wildlife Conservation:

"The United States has been a global leader in wildlife conservation thanks in large part to the foundational success of the Endangered Species Act. Since its enactment with bipartisan support in 1973, the ESA has proven incredibly effective by preventing the extinction of over 99% of listed species, including the bald eagle, the humpback whale, and the black-footed ferret. The critical protections the ESA provides to these species and their habitats should only be strengthened, not weakened, to protect the integrity of critical natural systems that Americans rely upon for their health, food security, and economic prosperity."