The U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) is proposing to weaken key provisions in the Endangered Species Act (ESA), a bedrock environmental policy. In the USCCB’s 1991 pastoral letter, Renewing the Earth, the bishops affirmed that we are called to exhibit respect for creation and thus our Creator. They specifically called for the protection of endangered species as an example of our faith in action. The ESA has saved 99% of listed species from extinction. 

The government creates rules to help put laws into practice. The new rules proposed by the DOI’s U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service would make it harder to add and keep species on the Endangered Species list and would remove protections for threatened species and their habitats. The stated goal of this new rule seem to say that regulations which protect essential wildlife and clean water are in conflict with energy production. However, this new rule would apply to any proposed project requiring a federal permit which means it will have far reaching impacts and downgrade protection for wildlife in a variety of sectors.

As Scripture teaches us, God made the birds, animals, and fish and told them to multiply (Genesis 1:11-26). He called his creation good and then created humans to care for it (Genesis 2:15). We must be good stewards of the rich gift of creation, as directed by God to Adam in the Garden of Eden.  

Pope Francis taught us in Laudato Si’, “Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us.” (no. 33). 

The DOI is collecting comments from the public - including you - through December 22 at 11:59PM. Please send yours today.