The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has saved countless species on the brink of extinction: the bald eagle, gray wolf, and the green sea turtle. Now the enforcement of the law is at risk. Recent proposed rule changes to the ESA would strip automatic protections from newly listed plant and animal species, make it easier to exclude critical habitat, and roll back science-based standards for listing species. This is a coordinated effort to turn the ESA into a tool for industry instead of saving vulnerable wildlife.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are accepting comments on these rule changes until December 22. We only have a few days left to defend the ESA and show the federal government that citizens do not want to see wildlife protections rolled back.

Below are example comments you can submit on each proposed rule change.

Rule Change #1: Critical Habitat Designations

The economic impact of designating Critical Habitat should not carry the same weight as scientific research. I encourage USFWS and NMFS to keep the methods of designating Critical Habitat under the ESA as they read now.

Comment on this rule change here.

Rule Change #2: Removal of the “Blanket Rule”

Sea turtles need continued protection if they are downlisted under the ESA in the future. The “blanket rule” ensures that species are protected when they are at their most vulnerable – before they are considered “endangered” of becoming extinct. I encourage USFWS and NMFS to keep the “blanket rule” under the ESA as it stands now.

Comment on this rule change here.

Rule Change #3: Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical Habitat

One of the most pressing threats to all sea turtle species is impacts from climate change on land and at sea. This rule change will make listing species and habitat more difficult and make delisting easier, which will result in fewer protections. I encourage USFWS and NMFS to keep listing criteria under the ESA as it stands now.

Comment on this rule change here.

Rule Change #4: Interagency Cooperation

Agencies must continue to coordinate and share information to reduce potential harm to wildlife. I encourage USFWS and NOAA to keep interagency cooperation requirements under the ESA as they stand now.

Comment on this rule change here.

The ESA is one of the most important and effective laws that protects sea turtles. Together, we can help defend this important tool to prevent extinction.