Defenders' Experts
Oppose Extinction: Take a Stand for America's Wildlife
Watch Defenders' Robert Dewey talk about the dangers of the Extinction Rider
America’s native plants and animals are in serious trouble.
They’re already under threat from toxic pesticides, air and water pollution, loss of habitat and global warming. Now we can add to that list the most immediate and serious threat of them all: Congressional attack.
The Interior Department appropriations bill currently before the U.S. House of Representatives contains a provision that would spell disaster for our country’s imperiled wildlife. The so-called “extinction rider” would prevent the listing of any more plants or animals under the Endangered Species Act. This would block crucial life-saving protections for more than 260 “candidate species” currently awaiting listing decisions, including wolverines, red knots and walruses.
A History of Success
The Endangered Species Act was passed nearly 40 years ago, codifying America’s commitment to good stewardship and preserving the entire web of life for the benefit of our children and grandchildren. In the decades since, we’ve witnessed some of history’s most incredible comebacks. Animals that were once on the verge of disappearing forever are thriving once again. Because of the act, bald eagles, California condors and peregrine falcons are still taking to the skies. Florida panthers, gray wolves and grizzly bears are keeping prey species in check. American alligators, Florida manatees and gray whales continue to grace our swamps, rivers and oceans. And hundreds more species have NOT gone extinct after receiving protection under the Act.
Congress should uphold the Endangered Species Act—one of the most forward-thinking environmental laws ever enacted—and preserve America’s great conservation legacy.
Take Action to Stop the Extinction Rider in Its Tracks
Urge your U.S. representative to support a critical amendment to strip the Extinction Rider from the House Interior Appropriations Bill.
Take Action Now >>
Extinction Rider in the News
“Bill at odds with nation’s values” (Editorial, Arizona Republic, 7/20/11)
“Extinction Rider Puts Us All in Danger” (Jamie Rappaport Clark, Huffington Post, 7/22/11)
“Species Act protects us all” (Joel Sartore, Atlanta Journal Constitution, 7/26/11)
“Staring Extinction in the Face” (Jeff Corwin, Defenders blog, 7/26/11)
Resources
Letter from Sportsmen's Groups Opposing Extinction RiderTrout Unlimited, Izaak Walton League of America and The Wildlife Society support the Dicks Amendment to strike the Extinction Rider.
Letter from Former USFWS Directors Extinction RiderA letter to the House from three former directors of the US Fish and Wildlife Service expressing opposition to the Extinction Rider in the Interior Appropriations bill and support for the Dicks-Fitzpatrick-Thompson amendment to strike the rider from the bill.
Extinction Rider Fact Sheet Explains Extinction Rider and its consequences and highlights a handful of species that will be impacted if it passes.
Politico Extinction Rider AdThis ad is running in Politico to encourage members of Congress to oppose the Extinction Rider and vote in favor of the Dicks-Fitzpatrick-Thompson amendment to strike the rider from the Interior appropriations bill.
National Journal Daily Extinction Rider Ad: WalrusThis ad is running in National Journal Daily to encourage members of Congress to oppose the Extinction Rider and vote in favor of the Dicks-Fitzpatrick-Thompson amendment to strike the rider from the Interior appropriations bill.
National Journal Daily Extinction Rider Ad: Red KnotThis ad is running in National Journal Daily to encourage members of Congress to oppose the Extinction Rider and vote in favor of the Dicks-Fitzpatrick-Thompson amendment to strike the rider from the Interior appropriations bill.
National Journal Daily Extinction Rider Ad: WolverineThis ad is running in National Journal Daily to encourage members of Congress to oppose the Extinction Rider and vote in favor of the Dicks-Fitzpatrick-Thompson amendment to strike the rider from the Interior appropriations bill.
