EDITOR:

I’m writing in support of the Endangered Species Act and in opposition to efforts by the Trump Administration and some in Congress to undermine this landmark wildlife conservation law. The ESA is a safety net for fish, plants and wildlife on the brink of extinction.

In fact, we’re in the midst of the sixth great mass extinction event in the Earth’s history, and short-sighted, irresponsible human actions are the cause of much of this tragedy. Since President Nixon signed the ESA into law in 1973, hundreds of species have been saved from disappearing forever, including the American bald eagle, the peregrine falcon and the American alligator. Many more species are on their way to recovery.

But now, the Trump Administration and some members of Congress are trying to weaken the ESA to benefit developers and the oil and gas industry.

Protecting endangered species is important to me. I’m a practicing Lutheran and believe we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the Creation, protecting imperiled wildlife and the special places they call home. I hope our Representative Jack Bergman and Senators Stabenow and Peters will oppose efforts to weaken the ESA and urge your readers to contact them and ask them to do just that.

Kevin Crupi

Marquette