The Endangered Species Act and "Sound Science"

Publication Date: July 2002

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

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Research Area: Environment

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Abstract:

The Endangered Species Act is a strong statute enacted to save and recover dwindling species. Decisions to list species are to rest only on the best available scientific data, and science plays a part in other important aspects of the Act. Yet many times the best available science may be sketchy. Recent situations involving economic and social conflicts over resources have resulted in a renewed focus on the use of science under the ESA and several proposals are before Congress. This report provides background on the issues and will be updated as circumstances warrant.