What is the Endangered Species Act?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a law that was established in Pennsylvania and throughout the United States in 1973 to protect all species of plants and animals that may be considered endangered or threatened with extinction. The law defines an endangered species as any species that is in danger of extinction in all or a significant portion of its range, and a threatened species as any species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. The main goal of the ESA is to prevent extinction, but it also focuses on recovering species and protecting the ecosystems in which they live. The law provides for the designation of critical habitat, the establishment of recovery plans, restrictions on activities that may harm the species and its habitat, the prevention of harm through permitting activities and educational programs designed to inform the public on how to protect endangered species. The ESA is administered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and is enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency. In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is responsible for the enforcement of the ESA, particularly in areas that are designated as critical habitats. The Endangered Species Act is an important piece of environmental law that is important in protecting biodiversity and the environment as a whole. The law ensures the protection of species and their habitats, which in turn helps to maintain the environmental balance and the health of the planet.

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What is the Endangered Species Act?

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