It has been over 50 years since the Endangered Species Act (ESA) was signed into law, and yet fewer than 3% of listed species have recovered enough to be delisted. Meanwhile approximately 40% of all major projects challenged under ESA were ultimately canceled or indefinitely delayed representing tens of billions of dollars in sunk costs and lost investment, and thousands of jobs.
The pending ESA Amendment Act, introduced by U.S. House Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-AR), proposes the most significant reforms in decades. The legislation takes important steps toward improving transparency, increasing regulatory certainty, strengthening collaboration with states and private landowners, and addressing litigation guardrails. Though it is a meaningful, and strong, step in the right direction, a full overhaul may be needed to better align species recovery with economic growth, infrastructure development, and active land management.
On Tuesday, June 2, we held a webinar with a panel of experts to explore and discuss ESA reform. To view the video replay, click here or on the image below.
