Economic growth? At what…

Economic growth? At what expense? At the expense of endangered animals?

I understand the need for development, but not at the cost of our planet's most vulnerable creatures. The proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act (ESA) are deeply troubling.

They prioritize short-term profit over the long-term health of our ecosystems and the survival of species already on the brink.

Consider the redside dace, a small fish vital to controlling mosquito populations. Under the proposed amendments, habitat protection would be reduced from 20 to 10 years, potentially allowing development in areas previously safeguarded. Similarly, the introduction of the "pay-to-slay" fund allows industries to pay into a fund to offset habitat destruction, rather than taking direct responsibility for conservation efforts .

These measures are not about conservation; they are about convenience and cost-cutting for developers. They are about sacrificing the irreplaceable for the replaceable.

If we truly value our natural heritage, we must choose life over profit. We must choose to reinforce the ESA, not dismantle it. We must choose to protect the species that cannot speak for themselves.

I urge you to stand with the voiceless and advocate for stronger protections, not weaker ones. Let us be remembered for our commitment to life, not our disregard for it.