WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) introduced legislation that would better aid the recovery of endangered species in our country and put an end to the misuse of the endangered species list. The Endangered Species Accountability Reform Act requires the Secretary of the Interior to reevaluate and display a need for a species to remain on the endangered species list every five years after its initial listing.  

“We have long seen gross misuse of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). While it is easy to have a species added to the endangered or threatened species list, once it has recovered, it is nearly impossible to delist,” said Congressman Luetkemeyer. “There is very little accountability for listing a species within the current process. By removing recovered species, this bill ensures newly threatened or endangered species can receive the recovery aid necessary.”