Biologists Defend the Endangered Species Act
by Jacob Gordon, Nashville, TN on 03.10.06
Close to 6,000 biologists signed a letter delivered to the Senate this week calling for lawmakers to preserve the integrity of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA, which has been remarkably successful in protecting biodiversity since being signed into law in 1973, is now being considered for changes. The House approved a rewrite of the Act last year and the Senate will be reviewing it soon. Many feel that the proposed alterations to the law will be dangerously weakening. Of specific concern is the shift of key data evaluation from scientists to political appointees in the Department of the Interior. The letter, drafted by the Union of Concerned Scientists, included the signatures of 5,738 American biologists, including six National Medal of Science recipients. :: MSNBC and the Union of Concerned Scientists (Image Credit: Everglades National Park)
