ifaw statement of support 'PAW' and 'FIN' Act of 2019

Washington, DC – The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) released the following statement after Congressman Grijalva (D-Ariz.) and Senator Udall (D-N.M.) introduced legislation yesterday titled the “Protect America’s Wildlife and Fish in Need of Protection Act of 2019” (PAW and FIN Act of 2019). Original cosponsors of the bill include Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.). The purpose of the legislation is to repeal all three of the current administration rule changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) proposed in August. According to Beth Allgood, US Director of IFAW: 

“Respective House and Senate bills have been introduced on September 17th as a necessary and straightforward repeal of the recent regulations implemented by the administration regarding the ESA, the U.S.’s landmark wildlife legislation. The regulations proposed back in August would prevent many species of plants and animals from receiving critical protections offered under the Act. Relaxing ESA regulations will only undermine one of the most effective bipartisan pieces of environmental legislation ever enacted. Now is the time to preserve the integrity of the ESA and continue to give our nation’s wildlife the protection the general public overwhelmingly supports.”

The effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act is clear. The law has prevented more than 99 percent of listed species from going extinct and has provided a framework to strengthen citizen stewardship of wildlife. IFAW is working collaboratively with other conservation organizations on supporting the Grijalva and Udall bills introduced today to ensure that immediate and long-term protection will continue under the ESA.

About IFAW

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate, and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations, and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org.