Endangered Species Act (ESA, 1973)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (16 U.S.C. § 1531 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
The ESA was passed to protect species at risk of extinction and conserve the ecosystems upon which they depend. It was a response to growing concerns about biodiversity loss in the 20th century.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Earlier laws like the Endangered Species Preservation Act of 1966 and the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969 provided limited protections. The 1973 Act consolidated and strengthened federal authority.