Colorado joins multi-state lawsuit against Interior Department’s rollback of Endangered Species Act

Sept. 25, 2019 (DENVER, Colo.) – Colorado has joined a multi-state lawsuit to protect the appropriate enforcement of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser released the following statements:

“The Endangered Species Act has been a great success at bringing species back from the brink of extinction. This dangerous rollback of the Endangered Species Act threatens more species with extinction.  With these changes, the Trump administration continues its misguided assault on our wildlife diversity and ecosystems,” said Gov. Polis “Colorado is loved for its wild and natural beauty. Our state is home to a variety of wildlife species that help support our thriving outdoor recreation economy and we will continue fighting to protect them.

“For more than 45 years, the Endangered Species Act has protected thousands of iconic and threatened species, including the bald eagle, grizzly bear, and the black-footed ferret. The new rules go too far by restricting the circumstances under which species can be listed as threatened, reducing federal enforcement of the law, and curtailing public involvement in the process. The ESA is our country’s signature tool for protecting wildlife, and we will fight the federal government’s attempt to undermine its effectiveness,” said Weiser.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a success and has helped bring back so many species back from near extinction like the bald eagle and grizzly bear. The ESA has been a critical tool for preserving wildlife in Colorado and across the country.

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CONTACT:

Lawrence Pacheco, Director of Communications

                 (720) 508-6553 office | (720) 245-4689 cell

                   Email: Lawrence.pacheco@coag.gov