McCollum Defends the Endangered Species Act

McCollum Defends the Endangered Species Act
Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Joins Minnesota-Based Aveda Corporation

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04) joined Minnesota-based company, the Aveda Corporation, along with the Endangered Species Coalition and dozens of other environmental organizations, to defend the Endangered Species Act, landmark legislation to protect animals and plants threatened with extinction.

McCollum's statement follows:

"For thirty-two years, the Endangered Species Act gave the federal government the tools and a mandate to protect animals and plants threatened with extinction.

This law has been a huge success. Nearly 99% of the species listed are still with us today. This law considershabitat protection to be a vital part of that protection effort.

Diverse plants, wildlife and fish also provide us with priceless benefits-from supplying lifesaving drugs to maintaining natural ecosystems for flood protection, drinking water, recreation and ecotourism. The Endangered Species Act helps protect irreplaceable resources.

For example, the revival of the gray wolf in Minnesota is a huge success story. In the 1960s, the wolf population had fallen to between 350 and 700. However, a recovery plan set a goal of 1,250 to 1,400 wolves by the year 2000. That level was achieved nearly 20 years early, and the population now is estimated at near 2,500.

Another success is the Western prairie fringed orchid, native to Minnesota. State efforts to protect and restore this species on state and private land have helped stabilize this flower.

Our national bird -- the American bald eagle - is another success story. In 1963, the bald eagle population in the United States was reduced to just 417 known breeding pairs. Today, there are more than 7,600 pairs of bald eagles. The American bald eagle is no longer in danger of extinction due to the Endangered Species Act.

The Endangered Species Act currently requires decisions - like protecting the bald eagle - to be based on 'best available scientific information.' This scientific standard must not be watered-down to allow politicians or government bureaucrats to determine if an animal or plant species merits protection. Best science must be the standard for protecting endangered species.

We must protect the Endangered Species Act from political attacks and defend our environment on behalf of future generations. This is my commitment because this is about protecting and preserving America's future. "

http://mccollum.house.gov/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={0143EF36-A307-47B0-AAEA-C56244CE7448}&DE={66F5335B-A6B4-44CF-85DB-045D3D911440}