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Endangered Species Act Marks 50th Anniversary Amid Calls for Expanded Biodiversity Restoration

Despite challenges and controversies, the landmark environmental law has protected hundreds of species from extinction and catalyzed the development of restoration ecology.

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In this 1979 photograph, Jim Williams speaks during a protest against the damming of the Little Tennessee River, home or the Snail Darter, in Tenn. The fish was at the center of a battle between developers of the Tellico Dam and conservationists. (Courtesy of C. Kenneth Dodd Jr. via AP)
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USFW Biologist Darek Elverud holds a rare Razorback Sucker that his crew momentarily took from the river to gather information during an outing on the Colorado River on Aug. 16, 2016 in Grand Junction, Colo.

Overview

  • The Endangered Species Act (ESA), a landmark environmental law in the United States, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
  • The Act, which was signed into law by President Richard Nixon in 1973, has been instrumental in protecting hundreds of animal and plant species from extinction.
  • Despite its successes, the ESA has faced significant challenges, including partisan debates and controversies over its impact on private property rights and economic activities.
  • The Act has also been a catalyst for the development of restoration ecology, a scientific field focused on restoring degraded ecosystems.
  • Looking forward, experts argue that new legislation and robust public funding are needed to extend biodiversity restoration beyond public lands and into farmlands, backyards, and cities.