Friends of the Earth Condemns Senate Attack on Endangered Species Act
WASHINGTON – Today, the Senate passed a resolution under the Congressional Review Act that removes essential protections for the lesser-prairie chicken, a key species that serves as an important indicator of healthy prairies and grasslands, across five Western states. If implemented, the federal government could not reissue protections for the species, even if they were on the brink of extinction, without another act of Congress. The White House announced that President Biden will veto the resolution.
Raena Garcia, Fossil Fuels and Public Lands Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, issued the following statement:
This assault against the lesser-prairie chicken is a disgraceful attempt by Republicans to put politics over science. Senator Manchin – the only Democrat who voted for the resolution – should be ashamed. The Endangered Species Act is a hallmark of species protection and should be strengthened, not weakened – particularly on the eve of its 50th anniversary. Any effort to further remove species to advance dirty energy projects is inexcusable. We thank the Biden Administration for promising to veto this massive attack on critical species.
Communications Contact: Erika Seiber, [email protected]