Why Improve ESA?

Better Species Protection

The Problem

Over the last three decades, it has become clear that ESA has failed to achieve its most basic intention – the healthy recovery of listed species to sustainable populations. 

According to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) data, the ESA has achieved a less-than 1% success rate for species recovery.  The Service’s own data reveals that the ESA is in need of serious legislative improvement.

• Only 6% of all listed species are classified as “improving.”
• Less than 1% (10 of approximately 1300 species) have recovered.
• 39% of all listed species are classified in “unknown” status.
• 21% of all listed species are classified as “declining.”

(Source: U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Resources)

How H.R. 3824 would provide better species protection

The Threatened and Endangered Species Recovery Act ("TESRA", H.R. 3824) would update and modernize ESA to strengthen its results for species recovery, providing better species protection.

For example:

• H.R. 3824 will focus on the recovery of species.
• H.R. 3824 will provide conservation grants to landowners that will give the Secretary of the Interior another tool to foster unique approaches to conservation on private property.
• H.R. 3824 will protect Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) with “no surprises” assurances.  HCPs have proven to be the best way to protect listed species while meeting society's need for agricultural production, power generation, water supply, and additional housing.
• H.R. 3824 will require the Secretary of the Interior to establish criteria that will constitute a clear definition of “best available science,” strengthening ESA’s scientific underpinnings and leading to better listing definitions.

Read H.R. 3824 for yourself or see a section by section analysis of the bill.