WASHINGTON, D.C. –Today, Congresswoman Lois Capps celebrated a great success for environmental stewardship and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as the bald eagle was officially removed from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species list.  The bald eagle population in the continental United States declined dangerously following World War II in the wake of several man-made dangers including the destruction of critical habitat, illegal hunting, and the devastating effects of widespread DDT use.  Since being placed on the original endangered species list nearly 30 years ago the bald eagle population has made a steady recovery, growing to nearly 10,000 breeding pairs in the lower 48 states.

“This is a great day for the bald eagle and a strong testament to the power and purpose of the Endangered Species Act,” said Capps a member of the House Natural Resources Committee.  “Against all odds, the bald eagle has made a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction, thanks in large part to legislation like the Endangered Species Act and strong environmental stewardship.  As we celebrate this important victory, we must remain vigilant to ensure that the bald eagle and other threatened species continue to thrive.  Hundreds of endangered plants and animals remain on the endangered species list and require our continued protection.  There are also hundreds, if not thousands, of endangered plants and animals that have been left unprotected because of the Bush Administration's flawed implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Under the Administration’s misguided stewardship, politics rather than scientific evidence have governed decision making with regard to the Endangered Species Act.  This has resulted in fewer protections for endangered species and threatened habitats.   It is important that as we celebrate this remarkable success for the Endangered Species Act we also remember to remain responsible stewards of this landmark conservation law.”

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Pictured above: (center) Congresswoman Capps meets with Central Coast firefighters to discuss emergency preparedness.