The Endangered Species Act of 1973

“Nothing is more priceless and more worthy of preservation than the rich array of animal life with which our country has been blessed. It is a many-faceted treasure, of value to scholars, scientists, and nature lovers alike, and it forms a vital part of the heritage we all share as Americans. I congratulate the 93rd Congress for taking this important step toward protecting a heritage which we hold in trust to countless future generations of our fellow citizens. Their lives will be richer, and America will be more beautiful in the years ahead, thanks to the measure that I have the pleasure of signing into law today.”

This year marks the 50^th anniversary of a landmark piece of legislation that has played a pivotal role in preserving and protecting the biodiversity of our planet – the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Enacted on December 28, 1973 by President Richard Nixon, the Endangered Species Act emerged as a response to the alarming rate at which species of plants and animals were disappearing from the face of the Earth. Over the past five decades, the ESA has played a crucial role in preventing the extinction of countless species, serving as a powerful tool for conservationists, scientists, and policymakers. Its key provisions include listing species as either “endangered” or “threatened,” designating critical habitats essential for their survival, and developing recovery plans aimed at restoring populations to sustainable levels.

The impact of the ESA extends far beyond the protection of individual species. It has become a symbol of the nation’s commitment to ecological stewardship, fostering a sense of responsibility for the diverse ecosystems that make up the American landscape. The Act’s success stories include the recovery of the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, and the gray wolf, all of which faced the brink of extinction and have now rebounded.

However, the journey has not been without challenges. The Act has faced criticisms and debates over the years, with concerns about economic implications and disputes over land use and development. Federal agencies, in particular, "struggle to balance their obligation to protect species and carry out other mission-related activities that often involve ensuring industries, ranchers, farmers, recreational enthusiasts, tourists, and others, appropriate access to and use of the very natural resources on which those species depend." (Source: GAO: "Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife and Water, Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate Endangered Species Act, Successes and Challenges in Agency Collaboration and the Use of Scientific Information in the Decision Making Process", 2005). Striking a balance between conservation and human activities remains a complex task, yet the ESA stands as a testament to the importance of preserving biodiversity for the well-being of our planet and future generations.

As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, it is an opportunity to reflect on the achievement of recovery for so many plant and animal species. However, climate change, habitat loss, and other emerging threats require a continued commitment to innovative conservation strategies. The ESA’s resilience and adaptability will be crucial as in navigating the evolving landscape of environmental challenges in the 21st century.

Right: Photos of endangered birds Source: BOEM Collection on GovInfo

Explore Resources about Endangered Species on GovInfo

• Read environmental studies on endangered species from the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM).
• Use the Federal Register to keep up with the status of endangered species and what the Federal government is doing to protect them.

Additional Article Sources and Resources

• Check out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Endangered Species Program.
• Learn more about endangered marine life with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
• Peruse the list of species that NASA protects at their various research centers and facilities.
• Read the White House Proclamation on the 50th Anniversary of the ESA.
• Visit the Department of the Interior's blog post commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the ESA.