Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Biden vetoed attempts to remove protections for two at-risk species. The move ensures the northern long-eared bat and lesser prairie-chicken can still be protected under the Endangered Species Act. In July, the U.S. House of Representatives passed resolutions under the Congressional Review Act to repeal Biden administration rules providing protections to the two species. The Senate had earlier passed similar resolutions.
The population of the northern long-eared bat has dropped significantly due to habitat loss, disease, and oil and gas extraction. The range of the lesser prairie-chicken has similarly dropped to a tenth of its original size
In response, Bradley Williams, Associate Director of Legislative and Administrative Advocacy, Wildlife and Lands Protection at Sierra Club, issued the following statement:
“President Biden made the right call in vetoing these two damaging resolutions. This administration has identified addressing climate change as one of its top priorities, and protecting biodiversity is a key part of that.
“Nearly 50 years after it was passed with overwhelming majorities, anti-wildlife legislators are still seeking to undermine the Endangered Species Act. We are in the midst of a mass extinction crisis, and we should be strengthening the ESA, not undercutting it. We urge President Biden to continue to defend this bedrock environmental law and ensure vulnerable species remain protected.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.