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Letter: Keep the Endangered Species Act strong

| Courtesy Noppadol Paothong Wildlife photographer Noppadol Paothong has devoted much of his career to documenting various species of grassland grouse, whose populations have been in decline across the West and Midwest. Some species, famous for their mating rituals, are candidates for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Gunnison sage grouse, pictured here, inhabit a small slice of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado.

I am writing in support of the Endangered Species Act, and in opposition to efforts by Congress to undermine this landmark wildlife conservation law.

The Endangered Species Act is a safety net for fish, plants and wildlife on the brink of extinction. Since President Richard Nixon signed the law in 1973, hundreds of species have been saved from disappearing forever, including the American bald eagle, the peregrine falcon and the American alligator, and many more are on their way to recovery.

But now, some members of Congress are trying to weaken the Endangered Species Act to benefit developers and the oil and gas industry.

Protecting endangered species is important to me.

We have a responsibility to future generations to be good stewards and protect imperiled wildlife and the special places they call home. Sens. Orrin Hatch and Mike Lee must oppose efforts to weaken the Endangered Species Act.

Michael Bard, Millcreek

By Michael Bard | The Public Forum