EMA Statement on the Endangered Species Act Amendments Act

Arlington, Va., Sept. 10, 2024 - Today, the Essential Minerals Association (EMA) released the following quote about the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act, which was introduced by Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Bruce Westerman (AR-04).

“For 50 years, the Endangered Species has been an important tool in conservation and protection measures; however, it has become weaponized. More stringent regulations don’t promote successful species recovery, but they do hurt industries. We need commonsense reform that implements practical protections and promotes greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species. We support the ESA Amendments Act of 2024 and look forward to working with Representative Newhouse and other members of the Congressional Western Caucus to see this implemented into law.," said Chris Greissing, EMA president

The legislation updates the ESA Act, which was first signed into law 50 years ago. The new bill incentivizes wildlife conservation on private lands, prevents the Interior Department from designating private land as critical habitat, empowers states to enact species recovery plans, requires that removal of a species is not subject to judicial review, and creates greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species.

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The Essential Minerals Association (EMA) is the representative voice for companies that extract and process a vital and beneficial group of raw materials and minerals, which are the essential ingredients for many of the products used in everyday life. Formerly, the Industrial Minerals Association – North America, EMA ensures that the voices of its member companies and the socio-economic benefits they provide – from mining to end-use products – are heard by government leaders as well as the general public. Visit essentialminerals.org to learn more.