Democratic members of Congress introduced legislation Friday that would require President Joe Biden to declare the wildlife extinction crisis a "national emergency," a move advocates say would allow the president to use specific executive powers to stem the destruction of habitats and protect species imperiled by human activity.
"Day by day, the number of animals in the U.S. facing extinction grows, creating a national emergency that needs to be addressed."
—Rep. Marie Newman
Led by Reps. Marie Newman (D-Ill.) and Jesús "Chuy" García (D-Ill.), the Extinction Crisis Emergency Act would "require all federal agencies to prioritize building back health wildlife populations, protect critical habitat, and integrate climate change concerns into the recovery of endangered species."
New Bill Would Require Biden to Declare Wildlife Extinction Crisis a National Emergency
"Day by day, the number of animals in the U.S. facing extinction grows, creating a national emergency that needs to be addressed."
—Rep. Marie Newman
Led by Reps. Marie Newman (D-Ill.) and Jesús "Chuy" García (D-Ill.), the Extinction Crisis Emergency Act would "require all federal agencies to prioritize building back health wildlife populations, protect critical habitat, and integrate climate change concerns into the recovery of endangered species."
New Bill Would Require Biden to Declare Wildlife Extinction Crisis a National Emergency