Renewable Revolution

February 10, 2017

Dear Mr. Gelbert:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support for the Endangered Species Act (ESA). As a longtime conservationist, I share your support for the ESA and your concern that some members of Congress would like to weaken this landmark legislation.

The Endangered Species Act was enacted in 1973 to protect species from the threat of extinction. The ESA set up the framework to scientifically determine which species are endangered, and take steps to conserve them and their habitat. Currently over 1,400 species have protection under this law. As we celebrate 40 years of successful conservationism thanks to the ESA, I am proud to say that 99 percent of the species that have been placed on the endangered list are alive today. 

Though the ESA has saved hundreds of plants and animals from extinction, not all of my colleagues see its value. Some members want to see critical species' habitats opened up to industrial and commercial interests, rather than protected for all Americans to enjoy. Several pieces of legislation have been introduced that would be detrimental to the conservation of endangered species because they would turn a decision that ought to be based solely on science into a political issue.

That is why, like you, I oppose efforts to weaken the ESA. As a member of both the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee please know that I will keep your thoughts in mind should legislation threatening the ESA be brought up for consideration.

Thank you again for contacting me, and please feel free to stay in touch about this or any other subject of interest to you.  For up-to-date information on what I am working on, please sign-up for my e-newsletter, the Bernie Buzz, at http://sanders.senate.gov/buzz/.

Sincerely,

BERNARD SANDERS
 United States Senator