Endangered Species Act turns 42

The Endangered Species Act turned 42 on Monday, marking over four decades of plant and animal conservation in the United States.

The act was signed into law on Dec. 28, 1973 by President Richard Nixon, who had urged Congress to expand the protection of imperiled species. Under the ESA, species deemed in danger of extinction qualify for strict protections, including bans or limitations on imports and hunting, as well as severe penalties for violation.

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