Beyer, Dingell, and Grijalva and 104 Bipartisan Members Call for Robust Funding for Endangered Species Protections

From Rep. Don Beyer:

Beyer, Dingell, and Grijalva and 104 Bipartisan Members Call for Robust Funding for Endangered Species Protections

March 16, 2018 (Washington, D.C.) – Today, Reps. Don Beyer, Debbie Dingell, and Raúl M. Grijalva  led a group of 104 Members of Congress in a letter to the House Appropriations Committee calling for robust funding for Endangered Species Act listing, planning and consultation, species conservation and restoration, and recovery process. They cited the need for increased funding due to the nearly 400 listed species that currently lack recovery plans.

The lawmakers wrote:

“As you begin to consider fiscal year 2019 Interior and Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations, we urge you to support robust funding for Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing, planning and consultation, species conservation and restoration, and recovery process.

“The need for increased recovery funding is evident from the nearly 400 U.S. listed species that lack recovery plans. Congressional appropriations for both recovery and consultation, already insufficient, have not kept pace with the number of listed species.  Inadequate funding not only puts at risk the recovery of threatened and endangered species and conservation of their habitats; it also impedes FWS and NMFS’s ability to apply the best scientific knowledge available in a timely review of listing decisions for species in need of protection.

“We request robust funding for ESA listing, planning and consultation, species conservation and restoration, and recovery in FY 2019. This is critical to recover and conserve our Nation’s imperiled species and ultimately protect America’s natural heritage.”

The full text of and a signed copy of the letter is available here.