Improving Implementation of the Endangered Species Act: Finding Common Ground Through Common Sense. (29th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Henson, Paul; White, Rollie; Thompson, Steven P
• Is Part Of: BioScience. Volume 68:Number 11(2018:Nov.)
• Page Start: 861
• Page End: 872
• Publication Date: 2018-08-29
• Subjects: Endangered Species Act -- critical habitat -- listing -- environmental regulation; Life sciences -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- United States -- Periodicals; Life sciences -- Government policy -- United States -- Periodicals; Biology -- Periodicals; Biotechnology industries -- Periodicals; 570
• DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biy093
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0006-3568

Abstract

Abstract: The Endangered Species Act of 1973 continues to be the subject of intense political acrimony. Opponents believe the law is a failure and call for significant changes, whereas proponents resist changes and argue for more funding to implement the statute. We suggest the law has been successful in meeting its core mission of preventing human-caused extinctions, but there are significant challenges with how the law is applied that limit its success. We recommend improvements in implementation that could lessen political controversy while making the act a more effective tool for conservation.