Defend all Endangered Species, including 50 remaining Rice’s Whales, the most Endangered Whale in the world 

What's happening?

In April, HR 1897, a bill in Congress proposing drastic amendments to weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA), was “shelved”.

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Thanks to your actions to defend the ESA and ensure full protection of our Endangered flora and fauna, we can celebrate a huge win.

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However, there are now two new threats to the Endangered Species Act, a 50-year law that has been the cornerstone of saving endangered species from extinction.

What can you do to help?

​If you live in the United States:

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We’re encouraging you to send a handwritten letter to your member of Congress because it’s one of the most powerful and personal ways to make your voice heard. Unlike emails or form submissions, handwritten letters stand out, they show thought, care, and genuine concern, making them more likely to catch the attention of decision-makers. 

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To make an even greater impact, consider including a piece of artwork with your letter. Whether it’s a drawing, painting, photograph, poem, or digital creation, art has a unique ability to move people and communicate what words alone sometimes can’t. We strongly advocate for the inclusion of creative expression to help your message resonate on a deeper level.​

What to include in your letter: 

Please take action on two recent attacks by the current administration on the Endangered Species Act by discussing the following topics in your letter: 

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Topic 1:  Oppose the new rule that changes the regulatory definition of “harm” to exclude habitat in the Endangered Species Act.

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The Endangered Species Act defines “harm” as any action that includes significant habitat modification or degradation that actually kills or injures wildlife. This is common sense, since habitat loss is the leading cause of extinction.

However, the Trump administration just finalized a new rule that changes the regulatory definition of “harm” to exclude habitat. This unprecedented move opens the door to widespread habitat destruction for endangered wildlife.

The White House is paving the way for timber, oil, mining, and other extractive industries, as well as the government and individuals, to destroy habitat where endangered species live, even when that damage harms those species. 

This drastic new rule would affect all ocean habitats of Endangered marine wildlife including 50 remaining Endangered Rice’s Whales. Please see also Topic 2 regarding the “God Squad” exemption of protections to all Endangered Species in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Habitat loss is one of the main drivers of species extinction.

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Please ask your Congressperson and two Senators to do everything in their power to oppose this rule change, which goes into effect on September 14, and could destroy the wild places that endangered species depend on, undermining the protections that have helped sustain them. 

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This unprecedented move opens the door to widespread destruction of habitat for endangered wildlife. Oppose the new rule that changes the regulatory definition of “harm” to exclude habitat in the Endangered Species Act.

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Topic 2: Oppose Endangered Species Committee (aka “The God Squad” or “Extinction Committee”) 
The first attack by the current administration’s Endangered Species Committee (aka “The God Squad” or “Extinction Committee”) was to exempt all protections of the ESA in the Gulf of Mexico. This includes removing protections for the only 50 Rice’s whales (the most Endangered whale species in the world), Kemp Ridley’s Sea Turtles, Manatees, and over 20 additional Endangered Species in this habitat. 

If allowed to proceed, the Endangered Species Committee will not stop there. All coastal habitat under US jurisdiction must be protected from the hazards of oil & gas and minerals extraction industries.

Ask your Congressperson to co-sponsor H.R. 8919  - To nullify the decision and order of the Endangered Species Committee with respect to certain oil and gas activities, and for other purposes.

Ask your Senators’ to support, or thank them for the letter written by Ranking Senate Member Sheldon Whitehouse, signed additionally by 26 members (see below) of the US Senate, requesting immediate withdrawal of the Endangered Species Committee (aka God Squad) exemption, in addition to documents and information related to the decision to exempt Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections in the Gulf of Mexico. 

Check to see if your Senator(s) signed on to this letter. Names are in alphabetical order (below). If they signed, please thank and express your support.

In addition to Ranking Member Whitehouse, the letter was signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

If your Senator (there will be two for your district) signed Ranking Member Whitehouse’s letter, let’s show our support with a note thanking them for this and urging them to continue protecting marine mammals and all endangered species. If your Senator’s name is not listed, then please politely ask them to sign on.

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Bonus topic: Strongly urge your Congressperson and 2 US Senators to defend the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) from amendments that would weaken these two cornerstone laws. Please ensure that both laws, 50 years standing, will remain intact. Learn more about the MMPA and ESA by clicking here.

All comments may be written together in your message.

Tips for Writing an Effective Handwritten Letter

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1. Be personal and specific

2. Be polite and respectful

3. Be clear and concise

4. Include your address

Instructors Pack