Nearly 40 years ago, Congress made an unprecedented commitment to preserve all species by passing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) This visionary conservation law saves imperiled plants and animals from extinction and protects vital habitat that provides us with clean water, food, medicines and other valuable products and services. Through the ESA, this nation has chosen to protect our natural heritage and preserve the wild lands and wildlife that make our country great. Unfortunately, opponents of this landmark legislation have repeatedly spread misinformation about the effectiveness and impact of the law. To set the record straight, here are the real facts about the ESA.