Since 1973 the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has been at the forefront of species protection, placing the United States as a world leader in science-based conservation. The ESA is our nation’s most effective law for protecting wildlife in danger of extinction, and has prevented 99 percent of listed species from going extinct. Despite how effective this law has been at its intended purpose, the current administration has its sights on weakening the ESA to the detriment of the species it was designed to protect. The rusty patched bumble bee teeters on the brink of extinction and in 2017, thanks to your help, it became the first bee in the continental U.S. to be listed under the ESA. The proposed changes could affect how the ESA will provide protections to this and other disappearing species.

Your voice is needed to let the U.S. Fish and Wild Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service know that the proposed changes to the law are unacceptable!

Take Action NOW! Comments are due by September 24, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

1. Post a comment on the Federal Register opposing the administration's proposed changes. Read here for more information and suggested text for your comment.

2. Contact your U.S. Representatives and Senators to let them know that you oppose any changes to the Endangered Species Act. Read here for more information and how to contact your members of Congress.

Photo: © Clay Bolt