ESA Working Group

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) was created four decades ago in 1973 t o preserve, protect and recover key domestic species. Since that time, over 1,400 U.S. domestic species and sub-species have been listed. Most species remain on the list and hundreds more could potentially be added within the just the next two years.

The Endangered Species Act Working Group is comprised of Members from across the country who will analyze the ESA from all angles. It will consider what works well with the current law and its regulations, ways it could be updated, and how to boost the law’s effectiveness for both species and people.

Through a series of events, forums and hearings, the Working Group will invite open and honest discussion and seek answers to the following questions:

• How is ESA success defined?
• How do we measure ESA progress?
• Is the ESA working to achieve its goals?
• Is species recovery effectively prioritized and efficient?
• Does the ESA ensure the compatibility of property and water rights and species protection?
• Is the ESA transparent, and are decisions open to public engagement and input?
• Is litigation driving the ESA? Is litigation helpful in meeting ESA goals?
• What is the role of state and local government and landowners in recovering species?
• Are changes to the ESA necessary?

In The News:

• Op-Ed by Rep. Doc Hastings: "Finding Solutions to Improve the Endangered Species Act"
• Op-Ed by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer: "Promoting Common-Sense Reforms to the Endangered Species Act"
• Rep. David Valadao Release: "Valadao, Endangered Species Act Working Group Host Congressional Forum"
• ABC 10 News: "Casperson speaks to Endangered Species Act group"
• Capital Press: "Forum elicits criticism of Endangered Species Act"
• Association of California Water Agencies: "Endangered Species Act Forum Held"
• Forest Landowners Association: "The 40th Birthday of ESA"
• Western Governor's Association: "WGA testifies at Endangered Species Act forum in Washington"