I recommend that no changes…

I recommend that no changes be made to the ESA itself, but rather that the focus should shift to improving implementation. This would involve increasing the use of the full range of tools already in the Act, improving communications with stakeholders, Indigenous peoples and knowledge holders, and improving the implementation and tracking of recovery, especially with respect to habitat protection.

Some efficiencies could be realized by taking more of a multi-species approach where appropriate (e.g., in cases where multiple species at risk are affected by the same threats or inhabiting the same threatened landscape). However, it is important to be realistic about the need to also maintain species-specific measures.

Finally, it is very important to note that a drive to achieve simple cost-cutting or to make habitat destruction "easier" for proponents of development projects will only result in higher costs down the road as we worsen biodiversity loss and weaken ecological systems that we depend on, jeopardizing access to clean air and water, and jobs related to tourism, recreation, and resources. Thank you in advance for your consideration.