Gray Wolf Court Decision Highlights Need for Modernizing ESA

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Public Lands Council say a recent court decision regarding the gray wolf demonstrates the need for modernizing the Endangered Species Act.  Earlier this week, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the listing of the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act in the Western Great Lakes Region.

Public Lands Council executive director Ethan Lane says the decision means Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin will “continue to be held hostage to the whims of radical environmental activists,” instead of celebrating the successful recovery of the species.  American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall echoed Lane’s comments, saying the thriving population of 4,000 gray wolves threatens farmers and ranchers in the region.

Duvall says the court decision “defies common sense,” adding that Congress needs to take action to reform the “broken and outdated” Endangered Species Act.​  The gray wolf is currently on the state endangered species list in eastern Washington, but not is not listed in Oregon.

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