Endangered species

Mitigation or Coercion?

Once a species is added to the list, it remains there indefinitely even though it may be abundant or listed in error. This gives the federal government enormous regulatory power over land and industries as harming a species can result in significant fines and even criminal penalties against the landowner.  

The species listing is used as a way to extract “mitigation” from those needing to use their land. The agency may require the user to offset the harm by acquiring habitat elsewhere and turning it over to the Service. Or it may prevent the landowner from using the land during specific times of the year. These actions lead to less productive uses of the land causing economic harm to the landowner and local economy.

Delisting Species

It is often only when outside parties require the agency to reconsider the listing that these species are removed from the list and restrictions lifted. This is done primarily by filing formal delisting petitions and pursuing the action in court if necessary. American Stewards has filed several delisting petitions to compel the agency to remove those species that do not warrant protection.

Although the Act has been a dismal failure for people and wildlife, the environmental community protects the law and resists all efforts to eliminate its punitive provisions.